The Women’s Studies Centre of Thiagarajar College, Madurai, organized an insightful lecture titled “Breaking Barriers – Building Futures” in commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal – 5 Gender Equality on 28th November 2025 with the objective of empowering young women to overcome societal, cultural, and personal limitations and to build confident, purpose-driven futures.
The session commenced at 10:30 a.m. with a warm Welcome Address delivered by Dr. R. Aruna, Director, Women’s Studies Centre. She highlighted the importance of conducting awareness-oriented programmes that support students in developing confidence, resilience, and clarity in shaping their future paths. Following the welcome, Er. Mrs. Brindha J. Ragavan, Vice Chairman, Renganayagi Varatharaj College of Engineering, Sivakasi, was honored with a memento as a gesture of respect and appreciation.
The lecture was delivered by Er. Mrs. Brindha J. Ragavan, who addressed the audience with clarity and practical wisdom. She began by emphasizing the significance of education in every woman’s life, stating that education is the foundation for independence, decision-making, and personal growth. She encouraged students to recognize education as a tool that builds identity and opens doors to future opportunities.
She then spoke about the responsible use of social media, explaining the difference between casual usage and professional digital presence. She encouraged students to maintain a meaningful and career-oriented profile on digital platforms also cautioning them about the consequences of misuse. She stressed the importance of presenting oneself responsibly and professionally in digital spaces.
Addressing social and cultural barriers, she noted that many young individuals face restrictions arising from societal expectations and family pressures. She encouraged students to develop inner resilience and self-belief, emphasizing that girls must cultivate the strength to rise above limitations. She highlighted the need for transparent, healthy relationships between parents and children, rooted in trust, communication, and mutual understanding.
Towards the end of her lecture, she motivated students to prepare for competitive and government examinations and assured them that consistent effort, discipline, and determination can help them achieve success in any field they aspire to enter.
The session concluded with expressions of appreciation to the Chief Guest, faculty, and participants for contributing to the success of the programme, followed by a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. P. P. S. Akchaya, a student of III B.Sc Physics, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Guest, faculty members, organizers, and participants for their valuable contribution in making the programme a meaningful and successful one.
Overall, the lecture served as an enriching and empowering experience, motivating students to embrace resilience, build confidence, and take purposeful steps toward shaping their futures.
