Pics: Mummy Digital Studio, Udyavara

Udupi, Mar 12: Sugamya Udupi district Mahila Okkoota was inaugurated by Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, Diocese of Udupi on Sunday, March 10. Catholic Stri-Sanghatan, Central Committee Udupi diocese also celebrated International Women's day in association with Sampada Udupi at Mathura Kala Bhavan, Udupi.

Fr Valerian Mendonca, dean, Udupi deanery after seeking God’s blessings on the programme said” Today is a historic day for Udupi diocese. We have representatives from all five deaneries. There is strength in unity and we see this here. We have already proved that we are children of one God. On this occasion of celebrating International Women’s Day we have started Sugamya Udupi district Mahila Okkoota for the betterment of Women.”

Gracy Gonsalves, deputy director of Women and Child Welfare Department, giving her message said "While we celebrate International Women’s Day in the month of March, we also concentrate on overall development of women. Also we are trying hard to help the women who are really in need of upliftment. This must be done in collaboration with the government and the public. We see that Udupi district is ruled by women officers and it is indeed a proud thing for us. There are many women facing lot of difficulties in life and the goal of this self-help group is to reach these women and try to lessen their difficulties. Let this union may not be limited to the district but may it grow to state and national level.”

Addressing the gathering Sr Zita D'Souza, state co-coordinator of women empowerment project KROSS Bengaluru said, “Before women used to be inside four walls and today they are shining worldwide with their achievements. But still there are hurdles faced by the women in the society. Still there is a need to know whether a girl feels safe in the society. We need to think equal in all ways and innovate for change. In this path, Sampada Udupi has built a stage for all women by bringing them together and leading them towards change. Women of Udupi should not be stopped here. The next goal must be to be recognised at state level. All of them need to be united and lead in the path of development. “

In his presidential speech bishop Dr Gerald said, “A women maintains a family, builds a society, and is an invisible power in inventing a country. She is the reflection of a family. Today the situation of women has changed and it has improved. She has become morally and financially strong. Women empowerment is the main reason behind this. She has outshined in all fields. Self-help groups have played a vital role in bringing women empowerment. The aim of these self-help groups is eradicating poverty and making women independent and bringing out the leadership qualities in them. Education plays an important role in bringing empowerment and building a healthy society. I congratulate all the women gathered here in making these self-help groups a success.”

Shahanaz M, editor-in-chief, Anupama monthly magazine also expressed her happiness on organising such a wonderful event.

Former presidents of Catholic Stri-Sanghatan, Central Committee Udupi diocese and also five deanery presidents of Catholic Stri-Sanghatan and Amurutha Krishanmurthy, owner of Mathura Comforts were felicitated on the occasion.

At present, as many as 6,500 women have got membership in 456 self-help groups. It has 50 large organisations. Through this, the Arpana Mahila Okkota Karkala Taluk, Bhavana Mahila Okkoota, Kundapura-Byndoor Taluk, Inchara Mahila Okkoota, Kaup Taluk, Ujwala Mahila Okkoota, Brahmavar taluk, Sharadhi Mahila Okkoota Udupi taluk are also functioning actively. Sugamya will be federation of all these self-help groups and will work for integrated development.

Vinay Kumar Sorake, former MLA Kaup, Malini Shetty, Rotary Club and Yelluru Panchayat member, Derick Mascarenhas, Shantha Ganesh, Kundapura and other office bearers were present for the event.

Sr Janet Fernandes gave an introductory note.Fr Reginald Pinto, administrative director of Sampada expressed his gratitude to the gathering.

Janet Barboza, president, Catholic Stri-Sanghatan, welcomed the gathering. Clotilda D'Souza, secretary Catholic Stri-Sanghatan, proposed the vote of thanks, Stany Fernandes and Vinaya D’Costa compered the programme.