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- Celebration of 98th international women`s day at Maiti Nepal - three pioneer women boat rowers felicitated - 2008-03-17
Investing in women and girls' was the international theme for the 98th International Women's Day 2008. In Nepal, the theme was, 'End to gender based violence; women′s proportionate representation in rebuilding the state'. The event is celebrated by women across the globe irrespective of their culture, linguistic, political or social backgrounds. Maiti Nepal this year celebrated the day by felicitating three women boat rowers, Ms. Ek Maya Pariyar, Ms. Laxmi Hirachan, and Ms. laxmi Karki of Pokhara. They were acknowledged for pioneering the profession (boat rowers) as women and contributing to women empowerment in Nepal.
About 300 people including celebrities, corporate bodies, politicians, media persons, diplomatic missions and Maiti Nepal family attended this program. His Excellency Finn Thilsted, Honorable Ambassador of Denmark was invited as the Special Guest, while Ms. Shalini Wadhwa, editor of 'VOW' and 'THE BOSS' magazine was the Chief Guest of the ceremony.
The function began with a welcome speech by Mr. Bishwo Ram Khadka, Director of Maiti Nepal. He said women are still taken as second class citizen, so everybody should fight for gender equality and safe guard the rights of women to participate equally in all spheres of life.
The program was followed by a short speech by Ms. Santona Devkota, who highlighted the importance of Women's Day. Giving a brief history of International Women's Day, she laid stress on the topic that, woman issues should not only be limited to slogans, but translated into action.
This was then followed by songs and dances by the children of Sonja Balbalika Griha and Sonja Asha Griha of Maiti Nepal. The songs and dances were encouraging and focused on women empowerment.
Ms. Sarita Banskota then shared a brief biography of the three women to be felicitated. The two single women ? Ms. Ek Maya Pariyar and Ms. Laxmi Hirachan have been in this profession for 20 and 16 years respectively. Likewise Ms. Laxmi Karki had switched into this profession some 15 years ago. They were given a cash reward of Rs. 5000 each and along with a Letter of Honour jointly by His Excellency Finn Thilsted, Ms. Shalini Wadhwa and Mrs. Anuradha Koirala.
After the felicitation and some more cultural performance by the children, Ms. Ek Maya Pariyar on behalf of all the boat rowers said, she had chosen the profession under challenges and she is proud to this work.
His Excellency Mr. Finn Thilsted added that a single day celebration cannot be sufficient for women empowerment. He quoted the condition that women are taken as baby producing machine. For improvement he said, man's mentality should be changed radically and they should advocate for women's right. In conclusion the ambassador said that men and women are born free and equal. If they are treated equally, a better family, a better society, a better country and a better world can be made.
Ms. Shalini Wadhwa also shared some words at the end. She said that women have been oppressed for centuries and they have to work a lot to change the masculine perception. Those who were felicitated today shows that they have fought a lot for survival and are the source of inspiration. The performances by children and girls showed the fighting spirit within them towards life and challenges. She finally concluded her speech saying that self respect and dignity brought to women by Mrs. Anuradha Koirala is highly commendable.
For the vote of thanks, Mrs. Anuradha Koirala said felicitating women figures carries extra importance. Remembering a day long boat ride with Ms. Ek Maya Pariyar in Fewa Lake, the moment truly made her feel proud as a woman because she was earning and supporting the family. She also gave a brief update of the academic progress and rehabilitation activities of Maiti Nepal.
The event concluded with a high tea party and an informal interaction.
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