Theme: Building Self-Reliant Villages through Women's Leadership
 Date: 27 June 2026
 Time: 1 1.00 AM – 2.30 PM
 Venue : Kadalur Village ,Ramanathapuram District

 Organized by :
 Association for Rural Development (ARD)

 Supported by:
Tiruchy Don Bosco – Cauveri Development Office

 *Introduction

The Association for Rural Development (ARD), with the support of the Tiruchy Don Bosco–Cauveri Development Office, successfully organized the WELEAD Awareness Rally at Kadalur Village to promote women's leadership, gender equality, democratic participation, and self-reliant village development. Around 100 participants, including women, youth, students, village elders, Panchayat representatives, community leaders, and ARD staff, actively participated.

 Programme Highlights 

The programme began with a traditional Thappu (drum) procession, which mobilized the community and invited villagers to join the campaign. Dr. V. K. Joseph Vincent, Project Director, inaugurated the rally and highlighted the importance of women's participation in leadership, local governance, education, and community development.

Participants marched through the village carrying banners and placards while raising awareness slogans on women's rights, gender equality, youth participation, social justice, and democratic values. Awareness pamphlets and other IEC materials were distributed to households and the public.

A Signature Campaign was also conducted, where participants pledged to promote women's leadership, gender equality, youth participation, and inclusive community development.

 Outcomes

The programme achieved the following outcomes:

* Increased public awareness of women's leadership and gender equality.
* Strengthened youth participation and democratic engagement.
* Improved awareness of constitutional rights and government welfare schemes.
* Encouraged greater support for women's participation in Panchayat leadership.
* Enhanced community unity, volunteerism, and social responsibility.

 Conclusion

The WELEAD Awareness Rally concluded successfully with enthusiastic community participation and strong public support. ARD sincerely thanks the Don Bosco Tiruchy-Cauveri Development Office-,village leaders, volunteers, women, youth, students, and all participants for their valuable cooperation. The programme reaffirmed the community's commitment to building self-reliant villages through empowered women, active youth participation, and inclusive leadership.