COMMISSION FOR SOCIAL COMMUNICATIONS- BARODA

100th INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY CELEBRATION

The 100th International Women's Day was celebrated with a great enthusiasm and grand style by the women of Navsarjan Mahila Parishad - A federation of 25 Mahila Mandals!!!

It was held on 8^th March at Rang Upvan, Near Gandhi Baug, Surat - SMC managed open auditorium. Over 2000 Women from 25 Mahila Mandals, belonging to 25 slums, dressed for the festive occasion kept pouring at Rang Upvan through the streets of Surat shouting slogans for women's rights. The festive fervour was quite visible on the lit faces of the women gathered at the venue.

The theme chosen for this year’s women day celebration was, "Equality of Men and Women is the sign of Women’s Development" ("Mahila Vikas Ki Yahi Pahchan, Nar aur Nari Ek Saman.")

The Chief Guest for the program was none other than the Deputy Mayor of Surat Municipal Corporation Shmt. Chhayaben Rashminbhai Bhua. Among the other honourable dignitaries present on the dais were 6^th Senior Division Civil Judge Mr. S. H. Patel; Fr Isaac Rumao sj, Director, Navsarjan; Dr. Shmt. Ujwalla Deshpande - Clinical Psychologist; Advocate Shmt. Shrungiben Desai; Social Activist Shmt. Zoharaben Cyclewala; Shmt. Madhuben Pagare - President of Bhagyalaxmi Credit Cooperative Society and Shmt. Sunitaben Panpatil - President of Navsarjan Mahila Parishad.

In her address the Deputy Mayor Shmt. Chhayaben R. B. congratulated the women for gathering in such a big number, hailed them for their contribution in the family and stressed on the need of providing more opportunities of higher education to girl children.

6^th Senior Division Civil Judge Mr. S. H. Patel praised the women for their contribution to the well-being of their respective families and the society at large. He expressed his desire that women don't restrict themselves to celebrate their day only once a year but should celebrate it throughout. He also exhorted them saying, "There is still so much work to be done with regards to parity for women, equality for women's rights."

Fr Isaac in his address highlighted how women as mothers remain instrumental in making difference not only in the lives of their offspring and family members but also of the people/society at large.

The cultural program put up by the girl students of tailoring classes run by Mahila Mandals was the highlight of the day’s program and the delight of the audience. It gave them an opportunity to exhibit and show their talents before the women audience. The cultural program put up by the budding stars from the slums of Surat made the day memorable one for all present.

The members of the Navsarjan Mahila Parishad staged a short play on Right to Food in which they highlighted the various difficulties faced by common people at the ration shop and accessing government schemes. It created awareness amongst the people present. The play was very much appreciated by one and all.

To create awareness amongst the audience about the gross injustice inflicted by the society on girl child the MSW students presented a skit on "Save the Girl Child".

To promote higher education amongst the girls, Navsarjan Mahila Parishad felicitated the girls who had passed the 10^th and 12^th.

To prevent malnourishment and to promote health conscience amongst the slum people Navsarjan Mahila Parishad had organized healthy child competition in the 0-1 year age category. Many participants took part in the event and the 1^st three were given prizes.

Apart from this Navsarjan Mahila Parishad had also organized Mehendi and Hairstyle competition and 1^st three winners of the respective groups were given prizes.

The last, but not the least - the president of Navsarjan Mahila Parishad Shmt. Sunitaben Panpatil gave the vote of thanks. She thanked each Mahila Mandal and the steering committee for organizing and managing the entire event.