Indian Social Institute celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8 March 2023 with threefold celebrations. Firstly, at 11 am we reached out to students and parents at St. Aloysius College, Bengaluru. About 300 students, 50 parents and staff of the college participated. Dr. Madhavi Reddy, a medical doctor spoke on the importance of health care for women; Ms. Monica Anthony shared her views on the power of women and Dr. Joseph Xavier enthused the students to become ambassadors to reach women Mahiti Kanaja platform which provides all information related to government schemes to women in Karnataka. At 4.30 pm we celebrated IWD with the Domestic Workers and ISIB women staff in partnership with SICHREM and CIVIC Bengaluru at the institute. The life story of Ms. Sharada Siddi, Sub-Inspector of Ashok Nagar Police Station, an African descendant, was appreciated much by the participants. About 40 women participated. The day culminated in recognising the contribution of migrant women in a slum in the late evening, wherein about 80 women participated. Through these celebrations, the institute greatly acknowledged the immense contribution made by women in society, especially, women being at the forefront in claiming their rights. The participants expressed their gratitude and said, “The International Women’s Day celebration was an energising experience.”
Francis Balaraj SJ
Social Inclusion and Democracy Unit