Report by Ms. Anu Agrawal, CS SNEA BSNL CO}: Women Brigade of SNEA celebrated International Women Day 2026 in a remarkable and special way thereby interacting with majority of Women Executives in BSNL.
On the occasion of the International Women Day, 08/03/2026, Women Brigade of SNEA arranged an online seminar at zoom from 1000 hrs.
This special meeting was presided over by Ms. Anu Agrawal, Circle Secretary SNEA BSNL Corporate Office.
The webinar received greetings from the following dignitaries:
- Chief GuestMs Rupa Paul Choudhury, Former CGM Assam Telecom Circle and presently PGM (Coordination & Monitoring) in CMD Secretariat at BSNL Corporate Office.
- Special GuestMs. N. Sujatha. CGMT Karnataka Telecom Circle,
- Guest of HonourAdv Ms Gauri Puri, renowned advocate from Supreme Court and Delhi High Court fighting for justice of deprived classes with Social Responsibilities.
- Shri. M. S. Adasul GS SNEA & President NCOA.
This webinar was attended by hundreds of the Women Executives in BSNL from different corners of India and by certain CHQ OBs and Circle Secretaries of SNEA and this seminar covered following prominent topics:
- Government Policies for the welfare of Women Executives and its implementation in BSNL.
- Knowledge session regarding Govt. laws supporting women employees.
- Experience about response from society and office being a working woman.
The meeting started at 1015 Hrs and within no time hundreds of women officers joined the meeting on a busy Sunday morning.
This was the second edition of an online grand zoom meeting/webinar organized by an association connecting Women Executives across the country to address the issues and inculcate the awareness about the existing policies of Women Executives by the Government of India.
Ms. Pooja Joshi, OS SNEA, Noida UP West and Ms. Renu Yadav, CWC SNEA Haryana gave a warm welcome to all the dignitaries, guests and women officers present in the seminar. They gave introduction of the Chief Guest , Guest of Honor and Special Guest and elaborated about the different activities being conducted on SNEA Platform specially for women executives.
The webinar started after seeking prayer with a melodious Vandana by Ms Renu Yadav, CWC SNEA Haryana, followed by the Presidential address by Ms Anu Agrawal CS SNEA BSNL Corporate Office.
Inauguration of the webinar was done by auspicious hands of Ms. N. Sujatha, CGMT Karnataka Telecom Circle, with her opening remarks by congratulating all for International Women Day and motivated all women officers to come forward and contribute in raising the flag of BSNL higher.
In her Presidential Address, Ms. Anu Agrawal, CS SNEA BSNL CO highlighted how WhatsApp group proved significant in connecting with the BSNL women executives across India and various issues resolved through it. She expressed happiness on such a great response from Women executives in BSNL. She added that sometimes females hesitate in discussing their issues and the WhatsApp group became a bridge in such a situation. Various circulars asked by members were provided in due time regarding various policies. The group helped in creating awareness amongst women about existing rules and policies. She updated the house about the proceedings and purpose of the seminar on the special day. She added that all genuine transfer cases of women executives involving medical ground, spouse cases, single parent cases were pursued on priority and were finally given consideration. Some women Executives raised issues at the workplace and the same were taken with appropriate authorities for its resolution. She requested women executives to be united and come forward to take the lead and raise voice for their issues.
Chief Guest Ms. Rupa Paul Choudhury, PGM Coordination & Monitoring, CMD Secretariat, BSNL CO, appreciated the unique initiative by SNEA in utilizing technology by connecting the Women Officers of BSNL across India. She explained the importance of education and expressed gratitude for all who put in efforts in providing education to us. It is because of their struggles; we are in this better position today. She highlighted the importance of International Women Day this year with the theme Give To Gain by explaining its meaning that when we give generously, everyone gains. As women who have had the good fortune of education and economic independence, we have so much to give. Though there has been progress in many developmental parameters, like the National Literacy rate, there is still much to do. She encouraged the audience by quoting the famous lines of Robert Frost, I have miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep. She emphasized that now is the time to give liberally and to give abundantly. We are fortunate enough so we must give to young girls and women who have dreams, who can fly high, but whose wings are tied because of poverty, societal attitudes and customs, predatory environment and so on. Together we can make a difference and volunteer in supporting young girls and volunteering when the opportunity arrives. Raise your voice against wrong doings. As women, each of us has an innate strength, God-given SHAKTI – the capacity for unconditional love, empathy and emotional intelligence. So give abundantly and open heartedly. When a girl rises, a family rises, society rises and in turn the nation rises. She apprised the house about various laws providing equal opportunities and positive discrimination for women. She reminded the audience about Fundamental Rights and Duties as well as constitutional provisions in favor of women. She concluded by quoting Dr B.R. Ambedkar that I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved. She urged women officers that it is our duty to bring the change we want to see. We have the power to mentor and educate the future generations to do the right thing.
Guest of honor Adv. Ms. Gauri Puri, Renowned Advocate Supreme Court and High Court New Delhi, informed that there is enough legal framework in our country to protect women and it is getting better. She further said, change starts from home, responsibilities need to be divided and need to break stereotypes created in our society. We need to teach our boys not to make fun of girls and it is not a crime if a boy cries. We must appreciate our teachers, because of them we are at this position today. It is time that we make our children learn these little aspects. In professional setup we are in a world which knowingly or unknowingly is not equal. Although so many laws have been formed like equal pay, equal work, but the desired equality still does not exist for women at the workplace. The time we spend in our workplace to create a space for ourselves must be spent to work on our talent, to work on business ideas. We must not try to make room for ourselves or try to prove ourselves but rather spend that time in polishing our talent and skills. She highlighted the fact that although laws are there for protection of women jobs during maternity leaves but still there are cases where women are losing their jobs. She emphasized that we must be conscious of what our children are watching online. Right to health has been considered as important as right to life and similarly other aspects are also getting improved day by day. She appreciated initiatives by SNEA and urged more and more women to come forward.
Shri. M. S. Adasul GS SNEA & President NCOA addressed the gathering conveying best wishes and greetings on International Women day. He congratulated Women Brigade of SNEA for taking such initiatives and arranging a nice webinar and inviting prominent Speakers for valuable guidance to house. In his motivational address he shared that since childhood, he has been inspired by his mother and following all her instructions and he feels proud of it. He said that women executives are pillars of SNEA and SNEA always gives weightage to female members. He added that SNEA has successfully taken various issues of females to management and will continue the same spirit and tempo. He expressed grief on Inter Circle transfer and hardship faced by the affected executives in general and women executives in particular. He narrated that when a female is away from the family, then the whole family gets disturbed and routine of the entire family is disturbed and special privilege is required for female executives. He highlighted the courage hidden in women and elaborated that whenever opportunities or situations demand, females take the lead even in the worst situation and set things rightly and perfectly. He apprised the house about how Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was inspired by the great teachings and valuable guidance of his Mother and with such great guidance only he made a great kingdom with great vision inspiring the World. He further said that daughters are taking more care of parents in todays scenario as compared to sons and this is possible with the strength and will power of women and appealed to all to take care of their parents, especially mothers. He added that SNEA will always stand with its members especially the female executives for resolution of their grievances. He further assured that SNEA has already taken the issue and this year all executives transferred under earlier long stay transfers females will be going back to their home or choice stations. He further assured that issues raised in this meeting will be resolved and taken care of so that hardship faced by female executives is reduced to a better extent. He added that the Women Officers of BSNL continue to bring laurels and pride to BSNL through their dedication and excellence in their respective fields. He took the opportunity to congratulate all and appealed to motivate others also for the same. In conclusion of his address, he once again congratulated SNEA Women Brigade for such a special and grand webinar and expressed gratitude for giving him an opportunity to address the virtual meeting.
Ms. Anu Agarwal, President of function, summarized the addresses of all the speakers and thereafter the house was opened for all participants to share their views.
Sensing the opportunity, Ms. Richa Chauhan JTO UP East who received 2nd best performer award in UP East Circle amongst 1900 employees with certificate of appreciation and cash award from CGMT UPE Telecom Circle, was virtually felicitated and congratulated. She shared her experience and feelings with the house.
Ms. Smita Darshetkar, PA to DGM Goa BA was felicitated by National Book Trust for 25 years of literature work in Goa. She encouraged and motivated the female officers by reciting a poem titled as Mein Stree Hun. She also raised the issue of restrooms at the workplaces.
Ms. Umamaheshwari, VP SNEA Chennai TD, recited a poem written by her daughter titled Who You Are. She requested to bring the executives back to their home.
Ms. Smitha Chandran, EM SNEA CHTD spoke about the difficulties faced by single parents due to their long stay transfers. She further raised her concern about basic amenities, hygiene for women at workplaces. She further suggested having more discussions and activities on this forum and sharing it in the WhatsApp group.
Ms. A K Ajeetha shared her feeling and requested to bring the executives back to their home.
Ms. Jyoti Jha VP SNEA Pune and JTO Trans, Pune Circle recited a poem and highlighted the strength of women and encouraged Women Executives.
Ms. Jhuma Ghosh, Noida raised the issue of Intra-Circle transfer disturbing the family life.
Ms. K. N. Begum, Vishakhapatnam raised the issue regarding the condition of broken chairs/ poor furniture in offices leading to health problems.
Ms. Sridevi discussed the offensive and derogatory remarks of senior officers during her initial days in the job.
Ms Dipty, Odisha appreciated the initiative of SNEA team.
Ms Priyanka Yadav, JAO Noida, shared her difficulties and how she has been harassed by the Management of BA Noida and requested for support in resolution of issues.
Every participant was given opportunity to share their views and in overall discussions, the house was apprised about the right of Women Executives and how efforts are being made by Female Brigade of SNEA to protect the respect and rights of Women Executives in BSNL and SNEA is taking care in resolving the issue of bringing back women officers to their respective places. It was informed that sexual harassment committees are being formed in every circle and such cases should be informed immediately.
It lies on our wisdom whether we have to share personal issues with our seniors or not. All officers were requested to be in touch with leaders at Circle/BA/OA level and apprise them about the issues regarding basic amenities, washroom, restroom, furniture etc.
It was also assured for persuasion of issues shared by each one in the meeting and its support by SNEA CHQ and Women Brigade of SNEA.
Shri. Manish Samadhiya, AIP SNEA CHQ congratulated all on International Women Day and conveyed thanks for active participation and assured all possible support from SNEA.
Ms. Anu Agrawal, CS SNEA BSNL Corporate Office conveyed vote of thanks to all dignitaries and guests for sharing the words of wisdom and apprising all female officers about the legal framework existing in our offices. She specially conveyed thanks to Women Executives attending the virtual online meeting across India on a busy Sunday morning and for active participation. She further said we must become vocal and raise our voice whenever required, even if it is a small issue we need to speak up. It was also informed to be in touch with local leaders but if required higher leadership can always be contacted anytime. WhatsApp group was formed with the aim to bring women to one platform and unitedly resolve the issues by supporting each other. The group is indeed fulfilling its purpose and creating awareness amongst the women executives of BSNL.
Ms. Renu Yadav, CWC SNEA Haryana and Ms. Pooja Joshi, OS SNEA, Noida UP West Circle beautifully anchored the entire proceedings of the webinar and impressed the audience with their expert comments and summarization of proceedings.
Special thanks to Shri. Tata Babu, Treasurer SNEA CHQ for monitoring the technical issues and enabling smooth conduction of webinar and all required support for smooth conduction of this highly successful seminar.
The proceedings of Webinar started at 1000 HRs concluded at 1240 Hrs by sharing moments of joy and creating awareness amongst each other. This webinar inculcated the feeling that women officers of BSNL are not alone, SNEA stands firmly with them.
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