Mangalore: Women are equal to men - Young corporator Sabitha Misquith
Elias D'Souza
Mangalore, Mar 20: International Women's Day was celebrated under the joint auspices of Sahodaya Bethany Service Center and Sahodaya Bethany Women’s Federation, Dakshina Kannada district here on Wednesday March 20.
The newly-elected Congress corporator Sabitha Misquith who contested from Shivabagh ward number 34 in civic polls of Mangalore City Corporation (MCC) inaugurated the celebrations here on Wednesday morning.
Speaking on the occasion, Sabitha said, "Women are equal to men. Women fraternity should collectively condemn the atrocities on women."
Sahodaya Bethany Service Center superior Sr Wilberta in her presidential address said that an individual should have the right to live. "No one has the right to touch or abuse a woman. We must all join hands to promote a violence-free society," urged Sr Wilberta.
Shahnaz, editor-in-chief of Anupama, Kannada monthly magazine said that the chief causes of rape and violence in the society are attributed to drugs, alcohol, visual media and advertisements.
Laxmikant, husband of Prof Vineeta Rai, Roshni Nilaya demonstrated self-defence techniques on the occasion. He also urged the women to develop mental agility to defend themselves.
Sahodaya Bethany Service Center director Sr Assumpta, Bethany Convent superior were present at the dais.
Sunita Mulky welcomed the gathering. Sahodaya Bethany Women’s Federation, Dakshina Kannada district president Nalini G Shetty and Clara Permai proposed vote of thanks. The secretary Tilottama compered the programme.
As many as 219 members of different self-help groups participated in the programme.