Women have the capability of becoming the backbone of any system and they have been playing a vital role in the progress of Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Ms. Saswati Das, Vice-President of SOA, said on Saturday.

“The contribution made by women employees of SOA has been enormous and they have become examples through their diligence,” Ms. Das said while speaking at a program organised in the university to mark the International Women’s Day.

Citing the examples of Draupadi, Anusuya, Sita, Sabitri, Kuntala Kumari and Laxmibai in history, she said women were today providing leadership in different sectors in the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Manjula Das, Controller of Examination, said women were playing significant roles in different fields today while contributing to the success of men in equal measure.

The gathering was also addressed by Prof. (Dr.) Sanghamitra Mishra, Dean of IMS and SUM Hospital, Prof. Debahuti Mishra, Head of the Department of Computer Science of ITER, Prof. Meera Das and Prof. Anita Panda, both professors, Ms. Sunita Barma, Sports Officer and Ms. Honey Patnaik, Incharge of SOA Community Radio.

Women comprise around 55 per cent of SOA’s total student strength while the fair sex account for around 40 per cent of the university’s faculty and other employees.

The program was also attended by Prof. (Dr.) Neeta Mohanty, Dean of Institute of Dental Sciences, professors, faculty members, women journalists and other employees of News7 and Prameya newspaper.