India: International Women’s Day held for first time in 50 years

A Carmelite Missionary nun on March 8 organized International Women’s Day for the first time in 50 years for people living in slums in Secunderabad, south India.

Sister Manju Devrapalli, an advocate and social worker, took the lead to hold the occasion to felicitate 20 women who hail from vulnerable and marginalized communities.

“It was the first time they got to know about the International Women's Day,” Sister Manju told RVA News.

The women were chosen from the most vulnerable women to felicitate. Each was given a certificate and a gift to recognize their contribution to society.

According to her, they were “the real women heroines of society.”

They are all rag pickers, sweepers, and scavengers who have migrated to Secunderabad from different districts in Telangana state and now live in Mudfort Slums of the city.

“They are the heroines, and people of great value and worth and one can never imagine a society without a woman,” said the nun. She was recently appointed national secretary for the National Dalit Christian Watch, a civil society group.

International Women’s Day is a world-renowned event that celebrates respect for women, promotes their rights, shows appreciation for their economic, political, and social achievements, and accelerates gender parity.

Others addressed at the occasion include Sleeva Galleli, president of the Indian Christian Secular Party and an activist, James Sylvester, a great supporter of Dalit Rights and Concerns and Issues, Dr. Ilka Varma, former president of the Doctors Association of India, Jennifer Rodrigues and Ms. Marlene.

They spoke on the significance of girl children, women's role and their rights.  

More than 100 women, along with children and men, attended the event.