by Fr Ashwin Macwan for BIS Mumbai

As part of the International Women’s Day celebration, DRISTI – Don Bosco, Kapadvanj organized a special program on the theme “Child Marriage-Free Families” on Saturday, 8th March 2025. The event aimed at raising awareness about the harmful effects of child marriage and encouraging women to take a firm stand against this social evil. The celebration witnessed an overwhelming participation of 580 women from various villages.

The program commenced with the garlanding of the statue of Don Bosco, symbolizing the Salesian mission of promoting dignity and equality. On behalf of the Salesian community, staff, and management of DRISTI, the Director, Fr Pratap Damor SDB, extended a warm welcome to all present. The event was graced by the presence of the Chief Guest, Mrs Farzana Khan, Women and Child Officer of Kheda District, and the Guest of Honour, Mr. Rajeev Bhardwaj, National Coordinator of Just Right for Children. Other esteemed guests included Mrs Shabanaben (Sakhi One Stop Centre, Nadiad), Ms Shivaniben Bhatt (Social Security Department), Ms Hetalben (SHE Team, Nadiad), and Mr J.B. Marwadi (Legal Advocate, Taluka Legal Services Authority). The dignitaries were warmly welcomed and felicitated with a sapling and a souvenir, as a token of appreciation.

Following the traditional lighting of the lamp, the event featured a variety of cultural performances. A traditional Bhavai folk performance powerfully conveyed the message of eradicating child marriage, capturing the hearts of all attendees. Additionally, women from different villages showcased prayer songs, welcome songs, dances, and short plays, all centering around the theme of preventing child marriage and promoting gender equality.

A pivotal moment of the celebration was the oath-taking ceremony, where all 580 women collectively pledged to prevent child marriages in their respective villages. Furthermore, eight women took a bold step by signing a written pledge, affirming their commitment to ensure their children would not be married off before attaining the legal age. These women were recognized and awarded for their courageous and exemplary decision.

Promoting the importance of education for girls, DRISTI also awarded scholarships to the top-performing schoolgirls from Gadiyara village, specifically from Grades 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10. In addition, the Gajanand and Neelkanth Self-Help Groups (SHGs), facilitated by the organization, were provided with interest-free loans to promote women's financial independence and entrepreneurship.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest, Mrs Farzana Khan, lauded the efforts of Don Bosco, Kapadvanj for empowering women and sensitizing communities about the detrimental effects of child marriage. She further encouraged women to utilize government schemes for women’s welfare and development.

The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Fr Ashwin Macwan SDB, Director of AmrutDhara – Don Bosco Animation Centre, Kapadvanj, on behalf of the Salesian community. He expressed gratitude to the organizing team, dignitaries, and participants for making the day impactful and meaningful. The women and guests then shared a fellowship meal, fostering a spirit of unity and commitment toward promoting child marriage-free communities.

The Women’s Day celebration at Don Bosco, Kapadvanj was not only a moment of festivity but also a powerful platform for promoting social change. The event succeeded in instilling hope, courage, and responsibility among women to build a future free from child marriage, reinforcing Don Bosco's mission of empowering marginalized communities.

The day truly ended on a hopeful and transformative note, with 580 women walking away inspired to become agents of change in their respective communities.