Dikhyaa Mohanty 
“PinkPrint: Contributions and Challenges,” the first-ever worldwide conference devoted to women architects, was launched by the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), Odisha Chapter. The purpose of the three-day event, which will take place from November 8–10, 2024, is to honor and consider the significant contributions and particular difficulties that women in architecture confront.
The inaugural day was graced by distinguished guests and dignitaries. Chief Guest Smt. Usha Padhee,IAS, Department of Housing & Urban Development, Odisha inaugurated the event. The ceremony was also attended by esteemed leaders in architecture, including Ar. Abhay Vinayak Purohit, President of the Council of Architecture (COA); Ar. Vilas Vasant Avachat, President of IIA; Ar. Saifuddin Ahmad, President of ARCASIA; Ar. Dorji Yangki, President of the Bhutan Institute of Architects; Ar. Rohana Bandara Herath, President of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects; and Ar. Iswar Lal Joshi, President of the Society of Nepalese Architects.
In her opening address, Smt. Usha Padhee applauded the IIA Odisha Chapter’s efforts in creating a global platform for women architects, stressing the importance of gender inclusion and equitable opportunities in architecture and highlighted Odisha’s rich architectural heritage and the need to foster innovation and inclusivity.
The conference has brought together women architects from around the globe, including notable names such as Ar. Diana Kellogg from New York, Ar. Nafisah Radin from Malaysia, Ar. Chryscentia Dilummini de Mel & Ar. Viluckshi Ravindran from Sri Lanka, Ar. (Dr.) Acharawan Chutarat from Bangkok, Ar. Primavera Desta from Indonesia, Ar. Leong Pek Liam from Malaysia and Ar. Rebecca Vanessa Rellosa from the Philippines, among many others.
The three-day PinkPrint event will include important programs like the IIA National Office Bearers Meeting, Design Yatra, the Design Carnival—a competition among architecture students from top colleges in Odisha—and thought-provoking plenary sessions, which will facilitate cooperation and knowledge exchange among the 700+ attendees. Attendees will be enthralled by a lively Material Expo that is available to the public and features state-of-the-art goods and services from industry partners.
The occasion focused on honoring the diverse contributions women make to the architectural field while providing a forum for stimulating discussion and the exchange of game-changing concepts.With an Odissi Dance performance and networking opportunities, the event’s first day came to a close. This helped guests interact and share their experiences, which further prepared the ground for more interesting conversations in the days that followed.
