by BISMumbai Correspondent

DRISTI Don Bosco Kapadvanj celebrated International Women's day on 10 March 2021, with 750 SHG women, with the theme: "with fellow women towards self reliance." The chief guest for the occasion was Sister Enone Pinto OP, Provincial Economer of the Dominican Missionary Sisters of the Rosary. Other guests included Monaben, Director of Divya Jyot Foundation working for women's rights, Vaishali Pandya, Director of Bhagini Samaj and Father Pravin Makwana, Director of DEEP Don Bosco Dakor.

The main highlights and attractions for the programme were the launching of the Saheli programme, interest distribution and handmade house items' exhibition-cum-sales. The first five SHGs in the internal audit were also felicitated.

DRISTI launched a new venture with the Saheli programme to create leadership among women in order to make all SHGs independent and self reliant. Shakti SHG presented a skit to showcase how Saheli can help hone new leaders. After the skit, representatives of Saheli were called on the stage for a symbolic oath ceremony. Six of the SHGs who completed more than five years were felicitated, and their cumulative interest amounting to more than Rs. Three Lakhs was also distributed. Various home-made items prepared by the women were sold at a discounted price.

Sister Pinto addressed the women saying, "we women should come together under this banner of Saheli and be united, and help each other to develop ourselves and help uplift our sisters too." A sumptuous meal served in the afternoon and a variety entertainment programme was greatly enjoyed by all the women.

Namrata Parmar, a journalist-intern present for the occasion remarked, "I am very much taken up by looking at so many women who are so enthusiastic, energetic and participating with full gusto in the programme." Salesian Brother Jerome Mendonca said, "I am delighted to see so many women and very happy that these women have put up various programmes to celebrate themselves." Jignashaben one of the stall-managers commented, "we have managed to make a good sale today as our women appreciated our own labour by patronizing our stalls," while Laxmiben from Kevadiya said, "I was super thrilled that I was called on the stage and was felicitated because our SHG was best in the internal audit"

The programme ended with vote of thanks by DRISTI Director- Father Mayank Parmar.