Ahead of the International Women’s Day, celebrations have begun across SPSR Nellore district and Prakasam district, with various organisations conducting cultural programmes, games competitions and awareness events on Thursday, while the police department launched self-defence training initiatives for women and girls.An awareness programme was organised by the Central Bureau of Communication under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in Nellore on Thursday. CBC spokesperson P. Harikrishna highlighted the Central government schemes that are being rol0led out for the welfare and empowerment of women.As part of the Women’s Day celebrations, Nellore district police screened inspirational films for students. District SP Dr. Ajitha Vejendla said that the girl students were able to understand the message of women’s empowerment and equality through the films. She added that several programmes would be organised until March 8 to help women develop mental strength and self-defence skills.Similarly, V. Harshavardhan Raju, Superintendent of Police of Prakasam district, said police personnel across police stations had organised awareness programmes and self-defence training sessions for girl students in schools and colleges with the help of expert trainers. “Self-defence increases self-confidence of women and makes them physically and mentally strong,” he said.Prakasam District Collector P. Raja Babu issued orders permitting women employees to participate in various competitions organised as part of the celebrations until March 7. Around 400 women employees took part in the competitions organised by the APNGO Association at the RDO office.Meanwhile, the LEPRA Society, an NGO supporting the National Leprosy Eradication Programme, along with the Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society organised an awareness programme on HIV and TB at Shakti Sadan Home in Ongole. As part of the programme, TB X-ray screening and tests for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B and C were conducted.Published - March 05, 2026 08:33 pm IST