Mangaluru Mar 22: The urban Self Help Groups promoted by Canara Organization for Development and Peace ® (CODP) celebrated International Women’s Day on 20th March 2016 in the Conference hall of CODP.
The programme commenced at 2.30 pm with registration and prayer. The Resource person was Dr. Veena Bhagvan, the Assistant Prof. from AJ Medical University, Kuntikan, Mangaluru. Rev. Fr Oswald Monteiro, the Director of CODP, Fr. Vernon Vaz, the Co-ordinator of Guidance Cell and Mrs. Mary Dias, Senior Labour Commissioner of Karnataka Building Construction Workers Department were present on the Dais. Ms. Usha K, MSW Student ofMangaluru University compeered the programme.
Rev.Fr. Oswald Monteiro in his speech greeted all the women on the occasion of International Women’s day. Referring to the recent report of a newspaper where newspaper reporter found the phone of the elected women representatives were answered by their husbands – he said that still the empowerment of women is not actualized. Even now they are controlled by men. He further said that there can be no empowerment of women unless there is a change in the mindset of the society towards women. Support from men is required for the success of women. Then he also explained the work done by CODP for the empowerment of women through the formation of self help groups (SHGs) and capacity building. He advised the women to educate their children without any gender discrimination.
Fr. Vernon Vaz in his speech wished all women a Happy International Women’s day and he shared that his life is also inspired by his mother and sister, who were supporting him throughout his life.
Dr. Veena Bhagvan highlighted the importance of International Womens’ Day Celebration and congratulated all women who were present for the day’s programme. Further through power point presentation she explained how women should maintaingood health. She also explained them to measures to prevent ill health and advised to all women to have a regular checkup atleast once in a year.
Mrs. Mary Dias explained about the various benefits of Building Construction Workers Welfare Scheme and the procedure to apply for it.
The Project coordinators Mrs. Shanthi D Souza and Mr. Sujan Crasta, Animators Mrs. Hemalatha successfully organized the programme.
The programme ended with a vote of thanks from Mrs. Dhana Lakshmi C MSW student of Mangaluru University.There were 150 participants who attended the training programme.
In March 2016, CODP organized International Women’s Day which was celebrated in various places like: Bela, Narampady, Puttur – Bannur, Kumbla, Saya, Kalathuru, Vorkady, Talapady, Soorambail, Miyapadavu, Edapadavu, Moodbidri, Manjeshwar, Mermajal, Modankamp, Badyar, BC Road, Merlapadvu, Permannur, Pakshikere, Vijayadka, Mudipu, Ranipura etc.
