Society should ensure women, children get their rights: Renu Gavaskar

Pune, April 29, 2023: “Social work does not happen by a single person, it requires support from the entire society. I believe in the age-old concept of the world as a single family – ‘Vishwakutumb’. The current situation with regard to women’s and children’s right is not so pleasing and hence the society, in which we live, must ensure that every woman and every child must get their rights,” said Renu Gavaskar, founder of the Eklavya Nyasa, which works for education and health of the underprivileged.

Renu Gavaskar was speaking after she was bestowed with ‘Swayamsiddha Award’ during a seminar on Women’s Empowerment: Peace and Sustainable Development, conducted by the National Council of Women in India (NCWI), as part of its centenary celebrations at the Shakuntala Jagganath Shetty auditorium in Erandwane on Saturday.

International Council for Women Vice President and former NCWI President Pushpa Hegde, NCWI President Rakhi Shetty, Transgender activist Shreegauri Sawant, noted psychiatrist Dr Harish Shetty, special educator Manjushree Patil among others were present on the occasion.

On the occasions, the past presidents of NCWI Pushpa Hegde, Nirta Akre, Rita Singh and Utpala Mishra, who has been running the NCWI’s Bashirhat project were felicitated for the yeomen service.

In her acceptance speech, Gavaskar also gave the example of India’s first female doctor Anandibai Joshi, who inspired thousands of women, as she travelled abroad and took education, at a time when women could not even go out of their houses.

Shreegauri Sawant, the Chief Guest, during her speech underlined that it was also necessary to respect all the genders including the transgender community,

Manjushree Patil, who was the Guest of Honour, dwelled upon the concept of empowering women and how it can be achieved.

“Empowerment is an inner affair. It is not about proving to anyone. Women’s empowerment is a do it yourself – self help activity,” she said.

Dr Harish Shetty, also the Guest of Honour, in his presentation spoke on numerous topics including parenting, divorce and how to deal with children.

Pushpa Hegde in her address spoke about the role of the International Council of Women and congratulated National Council of Women in India for completing 100 years of service.

While Rakhi Shetty made the opening remarks, NCWI Secretary Naina Hegde proposed the vote of thanks.