Chennai: CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR-CLRI) celebrated International Women's Day on March 8 by organizing a workshop to empower women in engineering and leather technology.

The event featured career guidance, skill development, and hands-on training in advanced instrumentation and footwear biomechanics.

CSIR-CLRI Director Dr. K.J. Sreeram emphasized the need for skill development alongside academics. Women students and elderly participants availed free foot healthcare check-ups. Dr. S. Mathivanan highlighted entrepreneurship in leather product manufacturing, while Dr. K. Phebe Aaron discussed natural materials in leather-based products. Live demonstrations provided insights into industry placements.

Dr. Nishad Fathima and her team trained 95 female students on mechanical and chemical testing instruments, bridging the gap between theory and practice. Dr. M.S. Kiran and Dr. G. Saraswathi led a session on footwear biomechanics, addressing mobility concerns like postpartum gait changes and osteoporosis.

A session on engineering careers, led by Dr. Sri Bala Kameswari and Mrs. I. Vanitha, outlined opportunities at CSIR-CLRI, including research fellowships and technical roles.

The workshop saw enthusiastic participation, inspiring attendees to explore careers in leather technology and related fields.