The College, in association with Directorate of Extra Mural Studies & Extension Services, Goa University, Asha Sadan Social Centre and Kiren Niketan Social Centre, celebrated International Women’s Day on 8th March, 2020 at Ravindra Bhavan, Vasco da Gama, from 3.00 to 6.00 pm.
The celebration was coordinated by Ms. Madhumeeta Dhar Assistant Professor in Commerce. The theme was ‘WonderWoman# – we all have a wonder woman inside us.’
The Chief Guest for the celebration was Mrs. Lawanya Shetye, Nodal officer to Health Minister for Directorate of Women and Child Development and a member of Goa State Women’s Commission. The Holy Sisters Family Congregation, Superior General Sister Alvita was present with Sister Lourenca, Representative of Asha Sadan Social Centre and Sister Phelisen Representative of Kiren Nikentan Social Centre were also present. The students of Shree Damodar College who actively took part in organizing were Eshwar Raj Gupta, Shubhan Kholkar, Bhavya H Prasad, Dally Serrao, Seema Hadimani, Sheehan Alcacoas, Mukesh Bhat, Kanniaya Khaturkar, Sairaj Ghadage, Chirag Bandekar. The teachers in charge were Ms. Meher Rodrigues and Ms. Madhumeeta Dhar.
The Inaugural Function began at 3:00 pm with a prayer dance performed by the Women of Kiren Niketan Social Centre. The dignitaries present lit the traditional lamp. The first Resource Person, Dietician Radhika Dhar spoke on the topic ‘Health and Nutrition.’ She spoke about the dietary requirements during different stages of a girl’s life – childhood, adolescence, pregrancy and menopause. She opined that every individual can maintain his/her diet by having simple Indian food like dal, fish, chapati and rice.
The Chief Guest Mrs. Lawanya Shetye encouraged women to raise their voice against domestic violence. She conveyed how powerful the word “no” is and that it would build self-confidence every time we utilize it against any violence.
Resource Person Dr. Jyoti Redkar spoke on the topic Women’s Menstrual Hygiene. From the beginning of menstruation till menopause, the hormonal changes and the nutrients required were listed by her. She encouraged women to speak about their menstrual problems with their parents, friends and doctors for necessary guidance. She explained the importance of using sanitary napkins while emphasizing on cleanliness.
The highlight of the celebration was the real life stories shared by some of the strong women of these social centres. Dance performances and the melodies sung by the students and teachers kept the audience entertained.
Principal Dr. Prita D Mallya appreciated the efforts put in by the students and the teachers to help organize this event and also motivated the women in the audience to follow the guidelines given by the Resource Persons. She encouraged the women to educate themselves and their children as a means of self-dependence.
Every woman present for this celebration was gifted a pack of sanitary napkins.
