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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline APRIL 03, 2023 | The Indian Eye 16

MAFS marks International Women’s Day for

gender equality through tech and innovation

APARNA KULKARNI
Chicago
AFS International Women’s Day was
held on Wednesday, March 8th, 2023, in
MChicago. This year’s women’s day theme
was DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gen-
der equality,” and it highlights the role of innova-
tive technology in promoting gender equality and
meeting the health and developmental needs of
women and girls.
The event was emceed by Roshita Pand-
ey, MAFS Grant Director. Dr. Santosh Kumar,
Founder, and Executive Director of MAFS wel-
comed all for coming to celebrate the MAFS In-
ternational Women’s Day event. Dr. Santosh Ku-
mar mentioned the women from all over the world
and from different fields/backgrounds who have
achieved so much in their life. Dr. Santosh Kumar,
through her speech, passed on a solid message to
younger generations that feminism is being strong
and confident in our own skin. Both men and
women should celebrate their unique strengths
and traits and work together in tandem to achieve
great heights.
The event started with the lighting of the aus-
picious lamp by all the dignitaries. The esteemed
panel of guests included Dr. Anindita Ghosh, wife
of India Consul General of Chicago; Yolanda Cur-
ry, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Family
and Support Services, City of Chicago; Nikki Gar- She believed women should support women – ‘each splits. The last and the most awaited segment was the
bis Proutsos, Assistant Commissioner, Depart- one, reach one’. Nikki Proutsos recognized MAFS giving away of the “Woman of Substance Awards”.
ment of Family and Support Services, City of Chi- for proving meals to seniors during the pandemic. The awardees were MAFS/UMAS staff and part-
cago. All of them were powerful women achievers She profusely thanked Mrs. Santosh Kumar and ners from across departments and roles. They were
in their own filed and they effectively addressed Roshita for doing all the public benefit programs, women who inspire others with their hard work,
the topic of women empowerment and gender hot dinner programs, and social security for more commitment, and passion for work, both on the pro-
equality in their special ways. than 30 years. She shared her favorite quote that fessional and personal front. The audience cheered
While Dr. Anindita Ghosh, put light on the says ‘A man is a head, and a woman is a neck, and for all the awardees and overall, the event was a
facts and figures and changing scenarios of women she can turn the head anywhere she wants’. big success in celebrating the spirit of womanhood.
empowerment in India, Yolanda Curry gave facts The event showcased powerful dance perfor- International Women’s Day is a global day cel-
that over 60% of college degrees rewarded in the mances on the theme of “Nari shakti” or “women ebrating the social, economic, cultural, and politi-
United States are earned by women in education, empowerment” by MAFS/UMAS seniors ad staff. cal achievements of women. When people across
health services, and social security. She empha- A humorous Hindi play with a moral/life lesson was the world unite to celebrate the spirit, strength,
sized the difference between equality and equity. also staged by the seniors. It had the audience in and success of women, makes the day exceptional.

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