Ms. Vinita Sahu, a dedicated advocate for women’s rights, captivated the audience with her personal story.
Ms. Vinita Sahu, IPS
Harmony Foundation, in collaboration with St. Pauls Institute of Communication Education for Women, Bandra, commemorated International Women’s Day with an inspiring event dedicated to celebrating the spirit of womanhood and advocating for gender equality.
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Dr. Abraham Mathai, Founder-Chairman of Harmony Foundation and Former Vice-Chairman of the Minorities Commission, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of building an inclusive society where women are empowered to achieve their full potential.
The event featured distinguished speakers, including Ms. Vinita Sahu, IPS, and Ms. Bernice Phillip from SEAL Ashram, who shared powerful narratives on the progress and challenges in the journey toward women's empowerment.
Ms. Vinita Sahu, a dedicated advocate for women’s rights, captivated the audience with her personal story. She recalled a defining childhood moment when, at the age of four, she spotted a red beacon car from her balcony and asked her father if they could have one. Her father explained that such cars were reserved for senior IAS and IPS officers and that achieving such a position required immense hard work and dedication towards studies. Inspired by this, she set her sights on joining the civil services, earning the affectionate title of “Collector Sahiba” even as a young girl. Her journey stood as a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and ambition.
Ms. Bernice Phillip, a dynamic young speaker from SEAL Ashram, moved the audience with real-life stories of women overcoming adversity. She shared her own struggles, recalling how fear of body shaming in childhood kept her from attending school in Panvel. At the age of 13, her parents enrolled her in a school in Kodaikanal, where she was treated as a special child and seated in the front of the class. Over time, she gained confidence, lost weight, completed her education, pursued an MBA, and today has emerged as an advocate for marginalized women. Her journey reinforced the importance of support, inclusion, and creating safe spaces where every woman feels valued and empowered.
The stories of Ms. Sahu and Ms. Phillip-though shaped by different circumstances-served as a powerful reminder that when given the right opportunities, women can lead the way and inspire change.
Dr. Mathai, in his address, also urged the audience to move beyond celebration and take meaningful action in fostering a society that uplifts women. He stated, “We must build a world where women are not only celebrated but also given the opportunities and tools they need to achieve their dreams.”
Harmony Foundation continues to champion women’s empowerment-not just as an ideal, but as a call to action. True progress can only be achieved when empowerment goes beyond words and becomes a lived reality for all women.
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