International Women’s Day (IWD) commemorated worldwide every year on March 8 is a time to retrospect and analyze how much we have moved forward on the developmental ladder of gender equality and woman empowerment, as the agenda crystallized at the conception of the very first IWD in 1909. Today, the statistics on one hand show stupendous growth in opportunities for women but ironically, on the other hand also fail to mask the victimization of even educated and economically empowered women to the increasing crime and violence. Therefore, we end up celebrating 106th IWD this year with the theme – Pledge for Parity (as declared by UN headquarters).
We at Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan (DJJS) believe in making each day as good and special for women as International Women’s Day. Therefore, we work at grass root level to alter gender stereotyped mindsets and bring about behavioral changes in daily life scenarios. Santulan – the Gender Equality program of DJJS is working on the mandate of elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against women with a prime focus to sex selective abortions; undertakes a month-long campaign by the name of ‘Swabhiman’ every year from March 1st-31st commemorating International Women’s Day.
Rigorous awareness drives are conducted in public areas such as malls, parks, markets and institutions under the Swabhiman Campaign that is dedicated to reinstate lost glory of womanhood. With a successful count of about 50 awareness drives that included awareness walks, awareness exhibitions and desks, workshops, nukkad nataks etc., Santulan sensitized more than 65000 people countrywide in just 1 month on the IWD 2015.
This year too, with rather more exuberance, Santulan is undertaking Swabhiman Campaign through its branches spread across India. The interesting activities being conducted in these awareness drives bind individuals visiting the counter to evaluate their perspective regarding birth of girl child; and thereby contemplate what is holding back the development of society.
Are you also a victim of gender bias? Visit our counter and verify your answer.
KURUKSHETRA, HARYANA
An enlightening and awareness generating program was organized on March 27, 2016 at 7c, Amin Road, Kurukshetra. Setting forth the sensitization program with devotional songs of goddesses infusing women power, Sadhvi Divesha Bharti ji delivered an inspirational discourse on women rights and potential which usually remains suppressed under the social myths encouraging preference for male child. An exquisite skit was exhibited to display the worsening evil of female feticide that further builds a crime brimmed society for women. The womenhood celebration event witnessed about 1500 participants that included men and children, apart from women.
KARKARDOOMA, EAST DELHI
An awareness workshop on the theme “Role of 21st century women in building up of ideal society” was conducted by Karkardooma center of DJJS on the occasion of IWD 2016. The performance by the young gender experts of DJJS Santulan stunned the staff members. Awestruck, Mr. Satish Sharma, deputy executive director, sales delivered heart felt vote of thanks.
LUDHIANA, PUNJAB
A rountable was held in circuit house, Ludhiana city with women stake holders of the society. Various points of agenda covered in the discussion were – present status of women in the society vs. their status in ancient India, 50-50 initiative of UN, reservation of parents to provide freedom to girls etc. In the discussion moderated by DJJS representative, participants shared their views on the definition of women empowerment. The discussion concluded on the note of being the change that is to be witnessed in the society.
LONDON, UK
An assembly to discuss the arising issues as a consequence to gender disparity was organized in association with the Women Association of UK on March 12, 2016 at Divya Bhawan based in Hayes, London. The informative session of more than 80 participants began with a short prayer followed by the interaction on contemporary women related issues, classed into different age groups. It witnessed far-famed Dr. Sangeeta Rathore, General Practitioner Doctor from Alenby clinic and Dr. Pragati Shindey, Ayurvedic doctor from Ayuspa Clinic who shed light on the lifecycle of women and challenges she encounters at every stage. Sadhvi Bhakti Priya Bharti ji concluded the discussion by sharing Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji's vision to regain and establish women's lost dignity by empowering them at spiritually.
BANGALORE, KARNATAKA
Heeding safety-a major concern for girls, DJJS Bangalore conducted a workshop on 'Importance of Self-Defence for Women' on March 10, 2016 at Maharani Lakshmi Ammani College for Women, Malleshwaram, Bangalore, Karnataka. A brief on essentiality of self-defence and physical & Social Alertness while travelling was explained by means of a presentation, was given by Santulan Volunteer. It was followed by a demonstration of self-defence techniques in various random scenarios with discussion on DOs and DON'Ts. The program was concluded with education on spirituality-self-awakening that empowers the women holistically.
