Kasaragod: The Centre for Women Studies, Central University of Kerala, in association with the National Commission for Women, Govt. of India conducted two-day National webinar on Why Women’s nutrition matters? as a part of celebrating POSHAN Maah 2021. The session was inaugurated by Dr. Rajendra Pilankatta, Registrar (i/c), Central University of Kerala. Dr. Supriya P, Coordinator, Centre for Women’s Studies, delivered the welcome address while Prof. D. Govinda Rao, Dean, School of Biological Sciences and Director of Research at CU Kerala and Dr. Arathy R. Nair, Medical Officer, Central University of Kerala, offered felicitations. The keynote address was delivered by eminent CSIR scientist and Former Director, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysuru, Padma Shree Dr. V. Prakash who focused on Food, Nutrition and Health while delineating the importance of women’s nutrition. Dr. Prakash stressed on the importance of positioning the advantages of India’s traditional nutritive wisdom. He also pointed out the need to ensure the economic empowerment of women in order to meet the affordability index that in turn determines the quality and quantity of nutrients available to a family. While also drawing attention to the need for daily exercise, healthy levels of gut microbiome and nutrition branding, Dr. Prakash upheld nutrition as a bridge of love and happiness. The talk was followed by a discussion session moderated by Dr. Chithra Manisseri, Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Science, CU Kerala. The inaugural session concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Jayalakshmi Rajeev, Assistant Professor and Head (i/c), Department of Public Health and Community Medicine. 

Academic sessions of the webinar were conducted on three themes, Nutritional status of women in India, Impact of COVID 19 in women’s nutrition, and Women's nutrition for sustainable development. The sessions were presented by eminent resource persons, Dr. Rajni Chopra from National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Haryana, Dr. Anitha C.T. from The University of Hyderabad and Dr. A. Laxmaiah from National Institute of Nutrition Indian Council of Medical Research, Jamai-Osmania, Hyderabad, India respectively. The sessions were moderated by Prof. K.R. Thankappan, Dr. R. Aswati Nair, and Dr. Chithra Manisseri from the Central University of Kerala. Prof. K.P. Suresh, Dean Academic, CU Kerala delivered the valedictory address for the webinar. Mr. Prakash K. Babu, faculty of the CU Kerala announced the winners of the "E poster Competition" held on behalf of the Webinar. The webinar was conducted under the organizing committee advised by Dr. Supriya P, convened by Dr. Jayalakshmi Rajeev, Dr. Chithra Manisseri, and Dr. R. Aswati Nair with other members. Prof. M.R. Biju, Dr. Laxmi, Dr. Asha, and Dr. Prasanna Kumar P.C., Ms. Aparna Reghunathan & Ms. Julia Mathew from the Dept. of English & Comparative Literature, Dr. Thushara P & Dr. Jeena P from the Dept. of Public Health & Community Medicine and Ms. Anupama Sajeev from the Dept. of Plant Science were the student representatives of Centre for Women’s Studies who were volunteers for the Webinar. Mr. Muhammed Ajmal P, Project Coordinator, NCW funded research project, CWS also volunteered for the conduct of the programme.