Exposure visit of Lycee Cours Bastide School, France

19 students from France accompanied by Sr. Hazel D’Lima and Sr. Pascal Puppinck came for the exposure visit to Sakhya – Women’s Guidance Cell on 4^th February 2016.  Based on the concept of “Atithi Devo Bhav” they were given a warm Indian traditional welcome.  Sr. Hilda Fernandes introduced Sakhya’s objective and established the identity of Sakhya. Through an audio visual presentation, she highlighted the concerns and intervention strategies.  

The students raised queries with regards to the Indian political, socio, cultural system and how it addresses the issue of violence and the role of Sakhya.  The students also got to know the intensity of violence through the cases counseled by Chatush Singh, Counselor of Sakhya.

The students and visitors expressed their appreciation for the concerted efforts invested by the team to address gender issues, the strategies adopted by Sakhya and the overall mission of Sakhya to work to end violence against women. We thank them for their generous gift and contribution to Sakhya in cash and in kind.

Once again we Thank You. We look forward for your partnership in Future.

  

      “CREATING SAFE SPACES FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS

29^th Annual Day Celebration of Sakhya

 

While celebrating 29^th Annual day Sakhya Women’s Guidance Cell organized a grand event“Creating safe spaces for women and girls” on 18^th Feb 2016.  The main idea behind the event was to raise consciousness on providing safety and security to women and girls. The day witnessed presence of 350 people at SamajSevaMandal,Nirmal, to participate in the event. The chief guest of the day Dr.Mrs. GeetaBalkrishnan, Principal of College of Social Work, Nirmala Niketan graced the event with her presence. The Guest of honour on the occasion was Mr. SampatRaoPatil, Senior Inspector of Vasai Police Station.

The Program began with the lighting of lamp which was joined by guests and Sakhya team.Ms. Hilda Fernandes, Director of Sakhya welcomed the participants, this was followed by introduction and welcome of guests by Ms. ShailaCrasto.The Program was anchored by Ms. Shraddha andMsBriliana. The 13^th Quarterly newsletter; Hunkar cum Souvenir and Training Manual were released by Dr. Ms. GeetaBalkrishnan.

 The girls from Nanbhat parish “Little Wonder” presented a graceful welcome dance. The students of College of Social Work, Nirmala Niketanpresented Sakhya’s annual report highlighting one years achievements in the form of fashion show .The women from GassDongri sang an awareness song. The Chief Guest, Guest of Honour and other dignitaries were felicitated by staff of Sakhya.

In her key note address Dr. GeetaBal Krishnan highlighted growth and vision of Sakhya and appreciatedSakhya’s effort to spread awareness at grass root level. She stressed the need to provide more safety and security to women and girls in the present scenario. She gave a message; women should get financial independency to strengthen their rights.

Mr. SampatRaoPatil shared his vision for safety and security of women and girls through better enforcement of legislation like POCSO Act 2012 and DV Act 2005.

 To make the program colourful a thematic dance was presented to the tune of song by Sakhya staff and two girls.A panel discussion was organized which consisted of Mr.Namdev, Ms. Marshan, Ms. Reshama, Ms. Rekha  and Ms. Sunila, a very vibrant discussion took place for 10 minutes . The Panelists used various ways to talk about the issue.The day saw performance of skit depicting gender discrimination and domestic violence by the students of St. Joseph College, Satpala.

The program saw felicitation ceremony of the winners of essay competition held during International day for elimination of violence against women and convocation ceremony of the participants of TOT certificate course. Dr. GeetaBalkrishandistributed prizes to 16 students, winners of essay completion from St. St. Joseph College and Mr.SampatRaoPatil awarded certificates to 17community women, participants of TOT certificate course.Ms. Chatush Singh,the staff of Sakhya delivered the vote of thanks to all who contributed in making the program successful.

The program came to an end by singing the National Anthem.