It is necessary to have faster, deeper, and long-term measures for women empowerment – Meenakshi Seshadri

Launch of the third phase of Project ‘Asmita’ on the occasion of International Daughter’s Day for girls from different backgrounds

PUNE: “When triggering cases like Nirbhaya happen, the immediacy to take faster, deeper, and long-term measures for women empowerment becomes of utmost importance,” opined Meenakshi Seshadri, a well-known actress. She also drew parallels between Goddess Durga wielding a weapon against Mahishasura to the initiative of Project ‘Asmita’ by the Rotary Club of Bibwewadi which helps to empower young daughters from diverse backgrounds to be confident and courageous against Physical and Mental Abuse.

Meenakshi Seshadri was present as the Chief Guest for the launch of the third phase of Project ‘Asmita’ organized by the Rotary Club of Bibwewadi on International Daughter’s Day at the O Hotel, Koregaon Park.

Dignitaries like Divya Momaya; Independent Director and CSR Head, GTPL Hathway Ltd, Hardik Sanghvi, Manjoo Phadke; District Governor RID3131, Jinal Shah; a nutritionist and TEDx Speaker, and others were present on the occasion. Divya Momaya from GTPL Hathway Ltd. was honored with a vocational service award.

“I have personally encountered a few incidents of physical molestation at different stages in my life. These experiences have not only shaped me and have become a testament to the strength and resilience within but have also ignited the fire of determination within me. I have assertively stood up for myself and have turned my vulnerability into self-empowerment. Over the years, I have also realized that I am my hero when it comes to self-protection,” shared Meenakshi Seshadri.

“In my school days, I used to be scared of coming in front of people and was petrified of public speaking. That is when I found my refuge in the Leadership Training Service (LTS), an organization based in Delhi, to bring a positive transformation to my personality. Similarly, Daughter Empowerment Projects like ‘Asmita’ also transform women from being vulnerable to confident and from proactive to empowered. I am happy to be associated with Rotary for this initiative, which is equipping daughters with knowledge, skills, and tools to defend themselves,” she further added.

“This year, our training program places an exclusive emphasis on empowering college daughters. Our comprehensive curriculum covers vital topics like Financial Literacy, Mental Health, Technological Proficiency, and Self-Empowerment through Self-Defense. Participants will not only gain valuable knowledge but also receive practical resources, including informative booklets and essential safety tools such as pepper spray, multi-vitamin supplements, and whistles. A noteworthy feature of this phase is the integration of technology to enhance the learning experience. Specially curated videos presented on tablets will add an engaging dimension to the training,’ said Nikhil Bhalerao, President of the Rotary Club of Bibwewadi while sharing the third phase plans of Project Asmita for the year 2023-2024.

Project Asmita was started in 2019 and has spread across 200 different locations in more than five states so far. It has benefited more than 80,000 daughters from various backgrounds until now. They are given education about Menstruation, Sexual Abuse, Social Media Bullying, Mental Health, etc. which empowers the young daughters.

Jinal Shah, a member of Team Rujuta Divekar, and also the Keynote Speaker for the event threw light upon the subject of “Taking care of your health while taking care of your community.”