CONNECTING women, inspiring futures

Ludhiana, March 9, 2013: On the occasion of International Women’s day, Ludhiana cares team got together to celebrate Womanhood.

“Connecting Women, Inspiring Futures” was organised at Guru Nanak Bhavan, in which girls and women from all walks of life collected to witness and be a part of the stimulating seminar.

The programme began with a video of “Damini” depicting in sand art. Women safety and security in India was never important till post 16/12, where “Damini” had to be the unfortunate source to bring about a change. Mona  Lall, Associate Director of INIFD presented another video, “Mujhe Pankh dedo”. This video depicted the feelings of girls and Women in India where they are expressing their desires and wishes to live fearlessly in their homes and country. They wish to have freedom in “Free India” and not always be suppressed in this male dominated society.

Harpreet Soin, Vice President, HSBC Bank welcomed the guests and told them about Ludhiana cares, the idea and the mission. She discussed the various projects initiated by LC and the response which were achieved by the facebook page. The projects of Goonj and Toy collection had a much better response because of LC members joining in. She encouraged the audiences to join in and be a part of the change.

Another video, “ Chiryaa” depicting the atrocities done on women was also relayed. The sentiments depicted in this video made the audiences emotional. Kitty Bakshi later took on the stage and spoke about a “mother’s call”, from a psychologists’ point of view. She spoke on the importance of a mother’s role in imparting knowledge to her child to safeguard her from adverse situations. Her presentation highlighted the role of communication.

Dr Nilam Sodhi, a leading gynaecologist, a social activist and a convenor of DOSST spoke as a doctor’s perspective of do’s and don’ts for adolescents. Comparing the women of few years back to women of today, Dr Sodhi said that we need to understand our body and our needs, as we never thought of this before.

Manmeet Sodhia Director Ivanna IFT spoke about women safety initiatives in Ludhiana. She told the audiences about the suggestions put forth by Ludhiana Cares members to district administration and district police departments, which were mostly adhered to. “The best part about this present situation is that women have started talking about it and not shying away from the situation of eve teasing, molestation, and rape etc.” Law will take its time but till then it’s important that women take stronger roles for themselves.

Nilambari Jagadale ADCP Ludhiana city, also the nodal officer for crime against women spoke about the police initiatives for women security. She highlighted on the introduction of women helpline numbers, special women police cells, police counselling for ladies, women officers in PCRs, and so many advantages given to the women of Ludhiana by the district police. Paramjit Kaur Principal BCM Arya Sen Sec School coordinated with Principals and counsellors of many other schools in Ludhiana to conduct special counselling workshops and self defence programmes for girls and adolescent students. ARS group Ludhiana displayed their painting of 65feet by 7 feet, which was made on 31.12.12, depicting the torture against women.

Students of INIFD presented a skit titled “Awaaz do”. This skit depicted the role of women/ girls at different stages of life. Eve teasing and molestation were highlighted in schools, offices and even homes. Ludhiana Cares had earlier given an innovative way out to Women to protect them. “Seeti Cares” – this project was a way out to women to protect themselves. This was also highlighted in the skit. Mona Lall told the audiences about the role of a “seeti” to make a woman feel safe and protected at all times. She compared other safety devices available in the market with this seeti.

Ludhiana Cares further highlighted the importance of a bigger association taking up projects of women cause and women empowerment and women safety. Dr Harbeen Arora, Global Chairperson ASSOCHAM Ladies League spoke about all that we can and should do to create a culture of respect for women. She said “Punjab had a sad figure of sex ratio and a lot needs to be done for the women of this region”. ASSOCHAM Ladies League Ludhiana chapter was also launched.

The programme was attended by an audience of around 600 women from all walks of life.