Mumbai, 13^th March 2022: Over 300 women from different slum pockets of Mumbai participated in the International Women's day celebrations organized by Don Bosco Development Society (DBDS) at the Don Bosco School Campus, Matunga.

Fr Ashley Miranda (Vice Provincial-Mumbai Province) was the Chief Guest and other Guests of Honour were Fr Manuel Murzello (Economer- Mumbai Province), Adv Gauri Chabaria (Member- Women and Child Welfare Committee), Salma Guru (Kinner Trust) and Mrs Shamika Ranade (Mahanagar Gas Ltd).

Mrs Surekha Padnekar (Project Officer, DBDS) welcomed the dignitaries and all the women participants. She then invited the entire gathering to observe one-minute silence in memory of people who lost their life due to COVID-19 pandemic. After that Fr Ashley shared his personal experience about her mother who was an excellent example of women empowerment. Fr Manuel shared his experience on saving water and appealed to everyone to start taking action to save water and environment.

Adv Gauri enlighten the participants on the schemes of Women and Child Welfare department and Cyber Crime. Mrs Shamika Ranade also shared her experience on women empowerment. This was followed by various cultural programmes and dance competition. It was an exciting fun filled day for women. Gifts were distributed to all the participants. Evening snacks were served to all.