CHINCHWAD: A Chinchwad-based non-government organisation (NGO) SNEH Foundation had organised an event ‘Naris for Change’ in which women who have benefited through education, health and empowerment with the help of NGOs spoke about their experiences and success. The event was held at Shubhashree Hall, Powerhouse Chowk in Pimpri-Chinchwad.

Shraddha Deo, Chief Executive Officer of SNEH Foundation, said, “This event is an extended celebration of International Women’s Day. The aim of the event was to give a platform to the NGOs and their female beneficiaries to share their success stories.”

The guests of the event were Shailaja Mane, Professor in Paediatrics in Padmashree Dr DY Patil Medical College, Pimpri; Ashwini Deshpande, Medical Officer from Manavya NGO and Varsha Dange, Health Officer from Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal (PCMC) Health Department.

Women coming from different walks of life spoke about their struggles in life and the way they dealt with those obstacles to achieve what they wanted. 

Sunita Pavale, one of the speakers, said, “I got to know that I had HIV from my son as he used to fall sick and cough a lot. I live in Mukaiwadi village which is 26 km from Pune and people used to look at me and talk to me in a very different manner. But I did not lose hope, I travelled to city-based Sassoon General Hospital to get treatment. Later, I got introduced to Manavya and they then took care of me. I am now emotionally stable and can deal with any problems.”

Sarika Pathe, another beneficiary, said, “I am a school teacher and earlier, my way of teaching was very harsh and children used to get scared of me. But later, I got introduced to Gram Mangal NGO. They conducted teaching sessions and my method of teaching changed.”  She said that now she does not shout at children and explains the concepts rather than making them learn.”