American Center Kolkata celebrates woman achievers

KOLKATA: The American Center in collaboration with not-for-profit organization Ananta Aspen Center hosted sixth edition of 'Our Voice, Our Journey' to explore the lives of four dynamic women and the difference they have made to their communities.

In her welcome remarks, Acting US Consul General Shelly Dittmar said, “This is an opportunity to mobilize all people to do their part, and be a part of a world where each woman and girl can exercise her choices, such as participating in politics, receiving an education, having an income, and living in societies free from violence and discrimination. This is also a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.”

She added, “All around the world women face challenges, crises and discrimination. But we are also part of the solution. I do believe that it is women like me, you and today’s panelists- and men like you in the audience- together we can bring about the change we need”.

Special remarks were given by the panelists Jode Brexa, educational specialist and digital storyteller, Rose Thomson, education director of the Ranchi-based organization Yuwa, Aishika Chakraborty, director and associate professor, School of Women’s Studies, Jadavpur University and Anindita Majumdar, a gender rights activist. The session explored the difference these leaders have made in empowering young women through mentoring. The session also explored the challenges they have faced, their successes, failures, and the values that have shaped their lives.

Digital storyteller Jode Brexa showed 2-minute audio-visual clippings of three children of Africa telling their compelling story. Rose Thomson is working with Yuwa for four years and she uses sports to empower disadvantaged girls of rural Jharkhand. The star of the evening was fifteen year old Renu, soccer player and coach of Yuwa who spoke of her journey from a being vulnerable tribal girl in Jharkhand to a successful soccer coach for younger girls. Chakraborty of JU spoke about how she used dance as a form of empowerment, how different forms of dance are used as expression of thought. Majumdar spoke about how she is working in rural Bengal to build confidence in women so that they can express their opinion.

Reestasri Ghosh, director of Ananta Aspen Center observed: “Enabling, empowering, inspiring – these women are truly inspiring change through mentorship and making a difference to the community."