What a thrill and delight to have the privilege of serving the women of Kotdwara. Approximately 500 delegates attended what was our seventh Women's SHINE Conference. This annual event coincided with International Women’s Day (IWD) which was celebrated on 8th March. The theme for IWD this year is ‘inspire inclusion’ something that has great relevance for the many marginalised and forgotten women who we walk alongside through our many projects across Northern India.
For our conference this year we had many esteemed presenters including local police, officials and community advocates for women’s empowerment. Topics included women’s legal rights and protections, children’s rights, health and safety. Our delegates were blessed with a gift of a carry bag, sanitary napkins, lipstick, a toothbrush and other items - most of these things are financially inaccessible to slum women. They love it!
Our delegates were incredibly grateful, and for many, the Project Help India SHINE Conference is a highlight for them, giving them skills and knowledge to endure the daily hardships that they face.
The cost of holding our conference this year was $9000AUS, which is about $18AUS per delegate. We value and appreciate the incredible generosity of our supporters, who make all of this possible. Might you consider supporting SHINE 2025? Please let us know.
A display of some of the garments created by the young women who attend our tailoring centre.
Our conference was acknowledged and celebrated in the local media.