By Mr Jesuraja Joseph for BISMumbai 

Don Bosco, Nerul, hosted a series of events in February and March 2023 to commemorate International Women's Day and promote women's empowerment, healthcare awareness, emotional wellbeing, and career guidance. The events were well-attended by women and children from the surrounding communities and were designed to raise awareness about important issues affecting women today.

The Women's Day celebrations began on 8 February, with a prayer song and a cultural program. The event was attended by around 250 women, and Fr Dr Barnabe D’Souza, the Rector, spoke about the strengths and qualities of women. The program provided a platform for women to showcase their talents and highlighted the important role they play in society.

On 11 March, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Navi Mumbai, Don Bosco, Nerul, organized a free health camp for marginalized children and a cancer awareness camp for marginalized women. The event featured important information on breast cancer, menstrual cycles, health, hygiene, anger management, stress issues, and the link between an unhealthy lifestyle, improper diet, and cancer. Sanitary pads were distributed to all the women who attended the awareness program.

Don Bosco, Nerul, also collaborated with Soroptimist International Bombay Chembur (SIBC) and the Indian National Chapter Registered as Forum of Women in Commerce and Industry (IWFCI) to organize a financial assistance camp on 15 March. IWFCI funded two women with financial assistance to launch small-scale businesses in vegetable selling and tiffin outlets. SIBC also funded two women to launch small-scale businesses as vegetable vendors. The initiative aimed to empower women by providing them with the necessary financial support to become entrepreneurs.

Under the guidance of Dr. Lalitha Sarkar Dutta, Don Bosco initiated an emotional wellness camp on 16 March. Dr. Dutta spoke about healing hurt feelings from the past and highlighted psychosomatic diseases that arise from overthinking. She explained the differences among worries, fear, strain, conflict, resentment, depression, etc., and encouraged every woman to become a role model in their families. The camp provided women with the necessary tools to take care of their emotional well-being and was well-received by the attendees.

Don Bosco, Nerul, also organized a career orientation program on 17 March for young women. Mr Vinod Gawande from GTT Foundation, Pune, delivered an insightful and informative presentation. The attendees were impressed with the programme's success, and the organization is planning to organize training courses for graduates and students who have completed their Class 10 and 12, in collaboration with the Atos and GTT Foundation. The career guidance program aimed to provide young women with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue their career goals and aspirations.

On 23 March, Don Bosco, Nerul, collaborated with Lakme to organize an employment drive. Ms Prachi Shelar and Ms Amruta Jadhav conducted trials on trainees from Vashi Nakka and Karave Gaon. Sixteen women were chosen to be trained at Lakme and employed at their salons. Others will receive a month-long training at Don Bosco, and employment at Lakme salons will be facilitated. The employment drive aimed to provide job opportunities to women and to empower them economically.

Overall, the events hosted by Don Bosco Nerul demonstrate their commitment to promoting welfare and development of women.