by BIS Correspondent
BARODA, MAR 15, 2017: Over 450 women hailing from various slums in Baroda came together to celebrate International Women's Day at Roshni Don Bosco, Baroda on 
March 8.
The participants belonged to 40 Self Help Groups (SHGs) actively working in Baroda. Father Rolvin D'Mello, executive director-Don Bosco Development Society, was the chief guest for the programme, the guests of honour were Patankar, collaborator - Roshni and Shashi Singh, chief manager- Allahabad Bank.
The programme began with the lighting of the lamp and was followed by cultural programmes on the theme 'unity in diversity'. Women then presented the traditional dances of various states dressed in colourful attire, dancing to folk tunes.
Addressing the gathering, Father D'Mello stressed the need to build equality among sons and daughters in the family. "The perception of society must change towards the girl child," he said.
This was followed by a short documentary on 'oppression of women' highlighting how women were denied their rights for centuries. The programme ended with a Gujarati dance.