PANAJI
A day when women are recognized for their achievements, opportunities and potentials without regards to national, ethnic, cultural, economic and political achievement as a new aspect in the improvement of women. With access to relevant education and training, they can bring outstanding possibility for many women, by motivating and uniting them to think, act and be gender inclusive. Thus Udant, an NGO working in the field of HIV/AIDS and related issues in Goa and located at Santa Cruz organized a successful and all-inclusive “Women’s Day” a whole day program on 8th March 2019 at God’s Gift Hall, Santacruz.
The day began with Mrs. Anita Verma, associate member of Udant along with the Sarpanch of Village Panchayat Santa Cruz Mrs. Disha Kavlekar and Mrs. Rahila Khan Program coordinator at Government Polytechnic, Panaji lighting the lamp and inaugurating the program. This was followed by a training program “Wealth out of waste” coordinated by members of Governemnt polytechnic, Ms. Resha Gawde and Mrs. Supraja Naik. 30 women of our support group members availed an opportunity to learn how to make cloth bags out of discarded clothes.
The afternoon session was more robust with 40 more women from different walks of life joining in the celebration. It started off with all members decorating a crown for themselves and all walking the ramp, followed by Mithsu teaching them Zumba steps
The organization then felicitated 5 women achievers namely 10 Jayashree Pawar Manufacturer of biodegradable Sanitary Napkins “ Sakhi” made by ‘Saheli” Mahila group from Pilgao, Bicholim; Jolene Dias, A differently abled woman who runs a music school, Tarang, a women’s group to encourage and support women entrepreneurs, Siya Shaikh founder of the group Go Womania for providing a platform for women to showcase their entrepreneurial skills. And Mrs. Antonet Desousa, teacher at Our Lady of the Rosary High School and winner of TAG’s Young achievers award for best script, a rising star in the tiatre sphere. They were awarded trophies and certificates for their respective achievements.
This was followed by these achievers presenting gifts and certificates to winners and participants of “Essence of Womanhood” contestants for their write ups and poetry. Mrs. Alice Menezes won the award for best poem and the best write up award was won by Ms. Afshan Sayed. The Prizes were distributed to the winners of games, for best dancer and spot prize lucky winners from the lucky draw.
The event concluded with a Token of appreciation presented to Mrs. Anita Verma and the Sarpanch Mrs. Disha Kavlekar s guests of honour to Mrs. Elizabeth Fernandes for singing and to Mrs. Antonet Desousa for her presence.
