by BIS Correspondent
PUNE, APRIL 10, 2018: Nearly 200 women participated in International Women’s Day celebrations, organised by the Don Bosco Development Society (DBDS), Pune at Anna Bhau Sathe Hall, Yeshwant Nagar (Yerwada) on April 7.
The event was held under the the aegis of ‘Women Empowerment Project’ supported by Manos Unidas, Spain. Celebrations began with eminent guests, Dr. Asha Gurjar, retired professor and social activist, Kalpana Bagul, businesswoman, Uma Dhotre, principal- KMJGV, Pune, Mangal PSI-Vishrantwadi Police Station and Father Vincent Rasquinha, incharge - DBDS, Pune, being present at the lamp lighting ceremony.
Nagsen Chavan, coordinator – DBDS, welcomed the guests, participants and spoke about the work of DBDS in making a positive impact on the lives of slum women. Mangal then spoke about the importance of women’s safety and security, and also informed about the measures taken by the police in this regard. She reiterated that police are friends of people and citizens should approach them whenever they are victims of any crime.
Bagul, then spoke about women’s financial independence and financial security. She urged those present to start businesses and to provide support to their family and society. Father Rasquinha spoke about the issue of women leadership and initiative of social reformation.
Dhotre, spoke about the importance of skill training programmes, small-scale businesses, government schemes and policies, and how women could benefit from these government schemes. Dr. Gurjar, shared her vast knowledge and experience to inspire women to be the change agent to empower oneself and others in their neighbourhood and also stressed on the need for women to come forward to claim their entitlements under various schemes.