HONAVAR, India.
SARPI Center, Honavar, celebrated International Women’s Day in March 2013 with some 450 women in attendance. These women come from 22 Self-Help groups which are part of SARPI’s ongoing activities and which have been formed for the purpose of empowering women.
The celebration began with a prayer dance followed by the lighting of the diya or Indian lamp by the guests who were on stage. Besides the chief guest, Dr. Nenita Tenefrancia, other guests were the president of the Women’s Federation, the presidents of the various Self-Help groups, Ms. Nancy Fernandes, SARPI Center Director and Ms. Jojo Gomez. Mr. Brazil Gonsalves , the programme coordinator of the community project, made the introductory and welcome speech.
Speaking on the occasion Dr. Tenefrancia said that every year we commemorate a day when we pause and reflect on the situation of women and girls all over the world. This is a day when we remember and draw inspiration from the many great women who have worked hard and shaped our lives. However today is also a time to look back at the shocking violence , crimes and atrocities against women. Women have a right to live in a society without violence and fear. So in this scenario we have to be united and persevere in seeking solutions to end violence against women..
We have to continue to work for women’s empowerment, self-reliance primarily through continuing education, information, acquisition of skills, and economic independence. She said that we need to make each day women’s’ day, and to join hands to work for gender equality, for justice and peace,for a better life for all women, for their families and for our society. 
She concluded by thanking the management, staff, animators and students of SARPI Center for their many years of selfless service and dedication to further the cause of women in Honavar and the surrounding areas .
There was a short cultural programme which gave the women a platform to exhibit their talents on stage. Another interesting item was the General Knowledge quiz competition , where each group was called on stage and the members were asked simple questions about current events, day-to-day issues, about their country, village and leaders of the state. This makes the women to think and to be aware of the importance of acquiring knowledge. Prizes were later given to the winners of this competition, and the afternoon ended with a get-together and snacks for everybody.
Info.IT - Information by Nancy Fernandes, Honavar