By Fr Ashwin Macwan for BISMumbai

Don Bosco Rural Integral Social Training Institute (DRISTI), Kapadvanj organised a Women’s Day programme on 12 March 2023, as part of the International Women's Day celebrations. The theme chosen for the day was ‘Equality of Women through Digital Technology and Innovation’. 481 women from 47 villages of Kapadvanj Taluka took part in the festivities with much enthusiasm.

On behalf of the community, staff and management, the Director of DRISTI, Fr Pratap Damor, welcomed one and all.  The Chief Guest for the day was Dr Sonal Rochani, Founder and Managing Trustee of Shakti Foundation, Surat. The Chief Guest and other guests of honour were introduced by Mr Shailesh Parmar, Programme Officer of DRISTI. At this celebration, there was a good representation from development institutes: Seva Institute Ahmedabad, Seva Institute Anand, Baroda Gujarat Gramin Bank.  During the programme, all the guests were honoured with bouquets of flowers and the souvenir by DRISTI. 

A special awareness program was presented on the topic of women's equality with the use of technology, through Bhavai, a popular folk theatre form of western India. The Annual Report of Don Bosco Institute was released during the programme.

Women from different villages took centre stage with various cultural programs, which were enjoyed by all.  Scholarships were distributed to the girls who secured the highest marks in the board examinations by the guests of honour. Interest distribution of the savings of women of the Self Help Groups (SHG) run by the organisation was followed. Women put up stalls of the articles made by their SHG for sale.

The Chief Guest, Dr Rochani, in her speech, emphasised on how women can move towards greater equality with the use of mobile, internet and technology.

In conclusion, Fr Damor thanked everyone on behalf of the Salesian community of Don Bosco, Kapadvanj.  The women and the guests enjoyed a fellowship meal before they left. It was a good, enjoyable and learning experience for all the women.  The expenses of the entire programme were managed by the SHG, and with donations made by women.