Pune, 8th March 2024: International Women's Day was celebrated today with great fervour and enthusiasm by the staff and beneficiaries of Women Empowerment Project. The ladies welcomed the Chief Guest Ms Shailaja Nair (Head-Finance Operations and CR Sponsor), Guest of Honor- Ms Prashanti and Ms Fathima Amrin, Fr Ian Doulton (Rector-DBYC), Fr Dinesh Vasava (Director- Social Ministry) and Fr George Miranda (Executive Director-DBDS) by performing traditional Aarti and showering petals on them.

The event began with a welcome note by Fr George Miranda and lighting of lamp ceremony by the guests. This was followed with a short speech by the dignitaries. In her address Ms Shailaja congratulated ladies on completing the Tailoring and Beauty Care course and wished them all success in their future endeavours. Ms Prashanti spoke on the changing role of women in contemporary society and how empowered women are contributing to the society. Fr Dinesh Vasava recited a poem on the status of women in society and underlined the immense contribution of women to Indian society.       

The theme of the program was ‘Inspiring Inclusion’ to include women from diverse sections of society which goes beyond visible differences like caste, race, age, class  in development process

Inspirational talks were delivered by successful women entrepreneurs, highlighting their journeys, challenges overcome, and the impact of entrepreneurship on their lives. These stories served as motivation for the women present, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with determination and resilience.

This was followed by distribution of 60 sewing machines and 60 beauty care kits to women who successfully completed the skill development course. This initiative was aimed at providing women with a valuable skill set to generate income and become self-reliant and contribute actively to their households.

During the event the ladies staff of DBDS were felicitated for their contribution to the project. 

The program concluded by vote of Thanks by Fr George Miranda. In his address he thanked the AXA GBS leadership team and the volunteers for their support to the project and taking out time to grace the occasion. He also thanked the Salesians of DBYS for their support and presence during the event.