Empowerment of Women a strong process

Empowerment of women in the slums and streets has been a challenge due to gender insensitivity. 300 women’s groups in these areas have made incredible improvements economically and socially in the recent past. Karunalaya has taken considerable efforts to stop marginalization of women in the society in various ways.

World Women’s Day was celebrated in Karunalaya on 25^th June 2011 jointly with around 1500 women from women self help groups. Hon’ble Speaker Mr. D. Jayakumar B.Sc.,B.L., Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly was the Special Chief Guest for the occassion. Mr. P. Vetrivel B.A., MLA and Dr. Jayachandran, MBBS were our special guests.

The programme commenced with Karunalaya anthem. Mr. S. John Bosco, President of Karunalaya, Mr. B. Ravikumar David, Vice President of Karunalaya presided over the programme. Dr, N. Paul Sunder Singh, Director Karunalaya in his introductory speech elaborated about the purpose, scope of women sangam and its function towards realising the economic, social and political rights of the women and that every day should be women's day in their life.

Every year five best SHGs are selected and awarded for best saving, availing bank loan, social service, best entrepreneur and best participation;

The following SHGs are selected

1. Award for best saving – Pugal women self help group, Tilagar Nagar
2. Award for best availing loan- Star women self help group, HUL Nagar
3. Award for best social service – Marutham women self help group, Kasipuram.
4. Award for best entrepreneurship- Oli A.E Koil Street
5. Award for best participation – Zion women Self help group, Nagooran Garden.

Hon’ble Speaker Mr. D. Jayakumar B.Sc.,B.L., Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly presented the awards for the Best Self Help Group and gave a special speech in which he recollected the laudable role played by Karunalaya after Tsunami in tandem with the efforts of the Government in Chennai. Mr. P. Vetrivel B.A., MLA unveiled the name board of the women sangam and gave the felicitation address. Dr. Jayachandran, MBBS distributed the prizes for the winners in various competitions. Around 1500 women participated in this programme. The programme was presided by Mr. John Bosco , President, Karunalaya. The programme ended with the national anthem. This event was in joint support of Stichting Amaidhi and Overal, The Netherlands, for the empowerment of women.