Mangalore: Members of Munnade Women’s Self-help Group Gather for Convention
Pics: Sphoorty Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (RS/CN)
Mangalore, Nov 24: Nearly 4,000 members of self-help groups under ‘Munnade Mahila Okkuta’ of Spandana Trust led a rally from St Joseph Higher Primary School, Kankanady Circle to Jeppu Infant Mary’s School grounds as part of the convention of women’s self-help groups here recently.
The convention organized at Infant Mary’s School grounds was inaugurated by Vijayalaxmi B Shetty, president, Mahila Mandaligala Okkuta and Mangalore taluk.
Speaking on the occasion, she said that women have to think of a society where several crimes related to women and children have been reported in the media. She added that such incidents lead one to think about where women have failed in creating a civilized society.
“Women have to increase their interest to active participation for a social cause and only empowerment in the economic condition is not enough”, said Vijayalakshmi adding that we must think of our neighbours and surroundings by observing the injustice done to women.
Sr Mary Emma Joseph, chief of Infant Mary’s Convent, Shahanaj M, chief editor of women’s monthly magazine ‘Anupama’, M P Noronha, advocate and registrar of Christian marriages, and Jacinta Alfred, corporator of Falnir ward, Mangalore City Corporation, were the chief guests.
Sr Irene Jane D’Souza, regional chief, Sisters of Charity, presided over the function. Sr Evangeline welcomed all.
Munnade Self-help Group, which started with 50 groups, is celebrating its decennial year.
Now, it has 200 self-help groups with 20 members in each group. Self-help groups work for economic empowerment and also organize several programmes related to social work such as health awareness, de-addiction camps, self-employment guidance, helping get old age pension, education loans, and availing government facilities for the needy.
The group also gives more importance to children’s education and helps poor children.