Dear Friends

This International Women’s Day I feel proud to share that women empowerment lies at the heart of the Foundation.

On this occasion, sharing stories of two courageous women who in the face of adversities ensured their own Success!

The first story is that of Jacquiline Mary, Headmistress from a government school in Chennai. Jacquiline was instrumental in identifying an incident of two school boys being sexually abused by three local mechanics. She made sure that justice prevailed and helped the Police to arrest the culprits under the POCSO Act, 2012. The matter is now under investigation.

We need more such teachers who are brave enough to stand up on behalf of children.

The next story is that of Anisha Shinde, who chose to empower herself by joining the General Duty Assistant course in the SMART Academy for Healthcare, Mumbai. While dropping her daughter everyday to the school, she got inspired looking at young girls learning paramedical skills at the Academy. This motivated her to take up a course that could help her pursue a dignified living.

Women like Anisha tell us that age is never a bar to learn and educate oneself.

This occasion is a fitting tribute to congratulate the #heroes like them. Join me to support this year’s United Nations theme. Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change.