Born on International Women’s Day, the story of Kangpokpi’s ‘Inwoda’ still inspires a message of hope

On the morning of March 8, 2019, as the world marked International Women’s Day with calls for equality and the celebration of women’s achievements, the birth of a baby girl, in the hill district of Kangpokpi, Manipur, would soon grow into a story carrying a powerful message about the value of every girl child.

What began as a deeply personal moment for a young family would, in time, become a symbol of hope, reflection, and social change, an unlikely reminder that the birth of a daughter is not a disappointment, but a blessing.

For Lalboi Dimngel and Vahneo Dimngel, residents of Vengthah Ward No. 3 in Kangpokpi district headquarters, the arrival of their third child brought emotions that were complex and conflicted.

The couple already had two daughters. Like many families in societies where the desire for a male heir remains deeply embedded, they had quietly hoped that their third child would be a son.

When another daughter was born, joy was overshadowed by a sense of disappointment and uncertainty about the future. Though the child was loved, the moment reflected a reality that still exists across many parts of the country, where the birth of a girl can sometimes be met with hesitation rather than celebration.

Yet the story of that newborn girl was about to take an unexpected turn.

Soon after the birth, two close family friends, a journalist and a police office, visited the Dimngel household. Witnessing the parents’ subdued mood, they chose to respond not just with words of comfort but with a gesture that would give the child a unique identity.

Recognizing the significance of the day on which she had been born, the two friends created a name inspired directly by the global celebration taking place on March 8.

They called her “Inwoda.”

The name was carefully crafted from the words International Women’s Day:

“In” for International

“Wo” for Women’s

“Da” for Day

What began as a simple attempt to uplift the family soon became a powerful symbol.

The name not only encouraged the parents but also resonated within the community, quietly reminding many families that daughters too deserve pride, dignity, and celebration.

The story soon reached the district administration in Kangpokpi, drawing attention to the powerful message embedded in the child’s birth and name.

Recognising its social significance, the administration under then Deputy Commissioner Lalithambigai K decided to highlight the moment as part of its campaign promoting respect for the girl child and the empowerment of women.

On March 8, 2020, during the district’s official International Women’s Day celebrations, a special programme was organised to mark Inwoda’s first birthday.

Surrounded by officials, community leaders and citizens, the young child became the centrepiece of the celebration. Her story was shared as an example of how attitudes toward daughters must evolve in a society striving for gender equality.

For a brief moment, a child born in the hills of Manipur carried a message that resonated far beyond her family—that every girl’s birth should be celebrated, not questioned.

Today, in 2026, Inwoda has turned seven years old and studies in Standard II. She is described as a cheerful and healthy child growing up in her hometown in Kangpokpi.

Like most children her age, she may not yet realise that her birth once sparked conversations about gender equality and the dignity of daughters.

Over time, the story that once drew attention from the administration and the community gradually faded from public discourse. The little girl who briefly symbolised hope during a celebration of women’s empowerment slipped quietly from the spotlight.

Yet the meaning of her story endures.

Across many parts of the world, gender discrimination continues to challenge societies striving for equality. Even today, the preference for sons remains a deeply rooted issue in several communities.

In that context, the story of a child named after International Women’s Day remains profoundly relevant.

Seven years ago, a family in Kangpokpi welcomed their third daughter with uncertainty. Today, that same daughter stands—perhaps unknowingly—as a living reminder that every girl carries the potential to inspire change.

Her name is Inwoda. And her story, like the message of the day she was born on, is far from over.