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Updated: February 01, 2024, 03:00 PM IST | BrandMedia | brandmedia@mid-day.com | MUMBAI
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Harmony Foundation`s National Girl Child Day Celebration Spotlights Empowerment and Equality in Thane`s Community Center.
On the occasion of National Girl Child Day, Harmony Foundation organised a special event in collaboration with the Community Outreach Programme (CORP) at a Community Center for underprivileged children in Thane. This event aligns with the Prime Minister`s `Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao` campaign, reinforcing the foundation’s commitment as a part of civil society to build a community where every girl child has the opportunity to thrive and fulfil her potential.
To set the tone for National Girl Child Day, Dr. Abraham Mathai, Founder Chairman– Harmony Foundation & Former Vice-Chairman- Minorities Commission commenced the event with the screening of a short film "Manchahi” produced by the Harmony Foundation.
“In our country where there is progress on numerous fronts, our film highlights the persistent issue of gender-based discrimination in India. It is unfortunate and saddening that even today many girls in our country are still labelled, and named as `unwanted` or `Anchahi,` while a male child is often deemed desirable. "Manchahi`` therefore, sheds light on the need for a transformation in people`s mindset regarding the girl child, dismantling the barriers of gender-based discrimination, advocating for gender equality and the celebration of the girl child’s potential”, said Dr. Abraham Mathai.
Around 220 children attended the event, with 150 girls and 70 boys present. Distinguished guests included Thane ACP Smt. Mamta D’Souza, and Human Rights Activist & Co-founder of Prerana NGO Ms. Priti Patkar. The event featured their impactful address emphasising the importance of girl child empowerment.
ACP Mamta D’Souza spoke about her journey as a police officer and stated that in her early years, she faced discouragement from those who believed that becoming a police officer was too challenging for women, which is a male-dominated profession. Despite being undermined, she found support from her father, who encouraged her to pursue her dreams. Today, her journey stands as a powerful testament to the boundless potential that girls possess and the incredible heights they can reach.
Priti Patkar highlighted the importance of recognizing and celebrating the potential of the Girl Child on a daily basis. She emphasised the need to sensitise boys about issues related to the girl child, urging them to become advocates for girl empowerment.
Additionally, there was also an art-based therapy activity, facilitated by special educator Ms. Shonan Shah, that engaged around 28 girls from CORP.
Since its inception in 2008, National Girl Child Day has been an annual observance in India, started by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The aim is to eradicate regressive discriminatory practices and foster a more inclusive and equitable environment for the girl child. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the girls` rights are upheld and create a world where every girl can grow up safe, healthy, and free to pursue her dreams.
About CORP- Since 1977, the Community Outreach Programme (CORP) has worked to provide a platform for the holistic development of women, children, and the communities in which they live. Their community centres lie at the heart of the organisation, and provide residents with critical services, focused on supporting at-risk children and empowering women. Beginning with only one centre and three staff members in Asia’s largest slum, Dharavi, they now work in 13 slum communities across greater Mumbai, with a total of 20 centres and over 70 staff members.
Harmony Foundation-The Harmony Foundation is a non-profit organisation based in Mumbai that is active and effective in the advancement of social justice in India through civil society initiatives.
