International Women’s Day (IWD) is observed annually on March 8, a global occasion to honour women through respect, appreciation, and love, while celebrating their economic, political, social, and cultural achievements. It also serves as a powerful reminder to push for gender equality and address ongoing challenges. For 2026, the IWD campaign theme is ‘Rights. Justice. Action’. Women’s rights mean nothing if we cannot defend them. IWD comes at a time when justice systems are under strain. Conflict, repression, and political tensions are weakening the rule of law. The result – women and girls have just 64 per cent of the legal rights of men.
Movement rooted in history
The day’s roots go back more than a century. It began in the early 1900s amid labour movements and protests demanding women’s rights. In 1909, the Socialist Party of America established the first National Women’s Day on February 28. Then, in 1910, German activist Clara Zetkin proposed an annual IWD at the Second International Conference of Working Women. The date was settled on March 8 after major protests in Russia in 1917, where women marched for bread, peace, and equality. The United Nations officially recognised and adopted IWD in 1975.
Continuing call for equality
What started as a fight for suffrage and fair labour rights has grown into a worldwide celebration of women’s accomplishments in every sphere. Today, it continues to advocate for true gender equality and access to education and healthcare, and to end discrimination and violence. IWD remains both a joyful tribute and a rallying cry: to recognise progress made and to keep working together towards a more equitable world.
Some celebrated Goan women
Varsha Usgaonkar, daughter of Goa’s former Deputy Speaker A.K.S. Usgaonkar, started her acting career in Mumbai due to limited prospects in early Goan cinema. She achieved stardom in Marathi cinema with hits like Gammat Jammat, Hamal De Dhamal, and Sawat Majhi Ladki, and appeared in Hindi films such as Ghar Aaya Mera Pardesi and Mangal Pandey: The Rising. On television, she captivated audiences as Roopmati in Chandrakanta, the lead in Jhansi Ki Rani, and in the epic Mahabharata. Recently, she starred in the Konkani film Zanvoy No 1.
Sandhya Kini Mayenkar is a leading example of women’s empowerment in Goa. Based in Panaji, she heads SKM Enterprises, SKM Realtors, SKM Institute of Culinary Arts, and Kini Supermarket, while overseeing the family’s 50-year-old Kini Enterprises. Beginning in 2012 with home-based orders for cakes and dishes, her culinary institute now offers more than 70 courses and has trained over 10,000 students. Through the SKM Asha Foundation, she provides women with opportunities for personal growth, self-improvement, and empowerment, inspiring many with her dedication.
Neomi Barneto pioneered Goa’s first unisex family salon in 1997 near Miramar, during a time when Goa remained largely uncommercialised. Partnering with her husband, she grew the venture into one of State’s largest salon chains. After nearly two decades in the industry, she actively challenges gender stereotypes by encouraging men to train as stylists. Her guiding principle: the joy of making clients feel happy and confident brings both deep personal satisfaction and strong financial rewards.
Sabina Martins has devoted over three decades to women’s rights in Goa through Bailancho Saad, a self-funded, struggle-tested organisation. Unlike groups that commercialise or exploit social work, Bailancho Saad focuses purely on voicing women’s grievances, combating atrocities, and securing justice. A schoolteacher by profession, Sabina balances her career while leading the group and collaborating with the State AIDS Control Society and CRY to advance women’s and children’s welfare.
Jayashree Parwar, raised in a modest middle-class family in Bicholim village, confronted societal taboos around menstruation to meet women’s basic sanitation needs. Despite facing deep-rooted stigma, financial losses for two years, and numerous challenges, she founded Sakhi—a unit producing eco-friendly, chemical-free sanitary pads. Her perseverance and entrepreneurial courage have empowered women and advanced menstrual hygiene awareness across the region.
Erica De Sequeira, a young martial artist from Goa, was honoured with the Sports Achievement Award at the Orchid Awards for Women Achievers of Goa 2025. Representing Tong-Il Moo-Do Association Goa, she became the first Indian woman to win gold at the Mombasa Open International Martial Arts Championship in Kenya, earning multiple golds and four-time champion status. She competes successfully in Tong-Il Moo-Do, Jiu-Jitsu, and kickboxing, including a silver at the ADCC South Asian Championship. Her achievements motivate young women in sports.
Tiffany Fernandes was crowned Miss Goa 2025 in a prestigious pageant. She has also secured titles such as Miss Carnival Goa and Miss Goa Fashion Icon, and went on to represent India at Miss Supermodel Worldwide 2025 in Manila. Her journey of grace, resilience, and determination continues to inspire young women.
Sneha Rodrigues founded Modish Boutique in Goa, a dynamic fashion brand that supports women-led businesses. By empowering female designers and artisans, she promotes sustainable, stylish clothing and fosters economic independence within the local fashion ecosystem.
Akshada Bandekar, a genuine child prodigy, began performing on stage at age three—singing full songs when most children are still mastering speech. Blessed with a naturally melodious voice and initially untrained, she credits her mother’s nurturing support for her early success. By age six, she had staged her first solo concert. Now pursuing engineering, Akshada firmly believes that consistent effort turns raw talent into lasting greatness.
Pallavi Salgaonkar, from a prominent Goan business-politico family, forged her own path as a chartered accountant. She built the successful bakery chain ‘Desserts and More’ across Goa, authored the cookbook Desserts First, and actively supports women entrepreneurs via the Goa Chamber of Commerce’s women’s wing, balancing family and career with exceptional time management.
