In the heart of posh Bandra is a unique social enterprise business – a spa that helps its visually impaired therapists stand on their feet even as yours get much needed rest. The fragrance of lemon grass and a gentle quiet greet my tired feet. I feel like I am miles away from the maddening city I have been commuting through all day. There is stillness around here, almost ashram-like. Tucked away in a quiet part of Bandra, one of Mumbai’s most ‘happening’ suburbs, is Metta Foot Spa, a … [Read more...]
Bishnu Maya Pariyar – WOMAN of ACTION™
May 10, 2013 by
A Celebration of Women™ is elated to Celebrate the Life of this brave woman, one born into extreme poverty, and treated as an outcast in her own society. Housing a strong spirit, this powerhouse forged her way through education, walking four hours per day to attend and complete her secondary education, being the first girl in her community to achieve such success. She further achieved more education in the USA, and returned home to work with her local women through an organization … [Read more...]
Poverty end has been moved to 2030, with rise before the fall!
May 9, 2013 by
Over a billion people worldwide live on less than $1.25 a day. But that number is falling. This has given credence to the idea that extreme poverty can be eliminated in a generation. A new study by Brookings researchers examines the prospects for ending extreme poverty by 2030 and the factors that will determine progress toward this goal. Below are some of the key findings: 1. We are at a unique point in history where there are more people in the world living right around the $1.25 … [Read more...]
Safe Cities program implemented in New Delhi, India
May 8, 2013 by
Better lighting, wider pavements: steps towards preventing sexual violence in New Delhi A young woman from Bilaspur camp, in the Molarband area of south Delhi, says she never goes to the community toilets alone. “Near the community toilet complex we have a banyan tree where boys are always standing. They harass every girl who goes to the toilet. I never go to the toilet alone, especially when it is dark,” she said, echoing the 24 other women who took part in a focus group discussion last … [Read more...]
Dr. Sunitha Krishnan – WOMAN of ACTION™
April 29, 2013 by
A Celebration of Women™ is elated to Celebrate the Life of this most amazing woman of caring, compassion and courage. Not only has she suffered at the hands of those with complete ignorance to human decency; she rose above her own circumstance to create an organization designed to save young girls from human trafficking so to better their lives, nurture them back to health so to grow forward future women leaders. WOMAN of ACTION™ Dr … [Read more...]
Mobile telephony: Empowering women through self employment
April 24, 2013 by
When was the last time you met a truly empowered woman? Well, earlier in the week, I was lucky enough to meet Valiben Macwana, one of the 1.7 million empowered self-employed women's association (SEWA) members. SEWA, based in Ahmedabad, India, is an organization of self-employed women workers who earn their living thanks to their small business. These women do not get a monthly salary, nor enjoy benefits like those of their sisters in the "organized labour sector". And to make … [Read more...]
Chhavi Rajawat – WOMAN of ACTION™
April 16, 2013 by
A Celebration of Women™ is elated to Celebrate the Life of this young woman, one that was willing to Take Action and dive into the world of politics, so to better the lives of her family, friends and neighbors inside her hometown ... and with her courage and vision, a town that is only now 'on the map'. This is a true grassroots celebration, of one woman creating positive change in our world, as the youngest woman in history to act as a sarpanch in … [Read more...]
Ms. Lakshmi Puri – WOMAN of ACTION™
April 11, 2013 by
A Celebration of Women™ has been inspired to Celebrate the Life of yet another woman leader, one that has devoted her career and life to the betterment of others. Working her magic through a career with The United Nations, this powerhouse has promoted the gender equality and women’s empowerment agenda in various capacities in the context of peace and security, human rights and sustainable development and has pursued studies in history, public policy and administration, international … [Read more...]
“Festival of Colors” – HOLI 2013, How did you celebrate?
March 27, 2013 by
The Holi Celebration has its celebratory origins in Gujarat, particularly with dance, food, music, and colored powder to offer a spring parallel of Navratri, Gujarat's Hindu festival celebrated in the fall. The Krishna Connection Holi is also associated with the Divine Dance known as Raaslila staged by Lord Krishna for the benefit of his devotees of Vrindavan commonly known as Gopis. Radha-Krishna Legend Holi is also celebrated in memory of the immortal love of Lord Krishna and … [Read more...]
India Activists Taking Action: Demand Justice for All Women!
March 24, 2013 by
Peace X Peace is the international organization that lifts and multiplies women’s voices, strengthens women’s capacity to connect across divides, promotes leadership and gender equity, and nurtures a global network of peace builders in 120 countries. “We do not need protesters and activists fighting for us after we are raped or almost killed. We need them to fight for rights that make sure such cases never occur.” The sensationalized news about Delhi gang rape has stirred the minds of many. … [Read more...]
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)
March 14, 2013 by
The nature and scope of India’s Social Protection policy has been undergoing a paradigm shift in the last decade. Social assistance for poverty alleviation is now being viewed within a rights-based framework, and broadening the potential for development processes to incorporate the goals of equity, social justice and human rights. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) is the largest rights-based employment guarantee programme in the world today, reaching … [Read more...]
Aruna Roy – WOMAN of ACTION™
March 13, 2013 by
A Celebration of Women™ is elated to Celebrate the Life of this woman, one that has devoted her life to the betterment of the lives of others, with justice as one of her missions in life; working through her own foundation up through the grassroots of society, for the human rights of peasants and general labor force inside India. In her government work, she poses the questions and lives the truth of a real leader by asking and answering through the power of example: " What makes a true … [Read more...]
