Inspiring Change – Celebrating International Women’s Day

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, FLO jointly with the Embassy of Israel organised an Interactive Session on Inspiring Change with Ms Linor Abargil, Former Miss World of Israel on 10 March 2014 at FICCI.

In her Welcome Address, Ms Malvika Rai, President FLO said “Issue of gender based violence is not just a women’s issue. It’s men’s issue too. It’s the issue of the society and the entire nation”, adding that “If we act with courage, conviction and commitment, we can change violence against women from being the most pervasive violation of human rights to being a rare occurrence”. She encouraged everyone to promote women empowerment so that every girl and women can live free of violence and discrimination.

Ms Linor Abargil brought to the forefront the issue of gender based violence and physical abuse which she had herself experienced just 2 months before being crowned Miss World in 1998.

Recounting what she went through, Linor said “I was raped, but I did not remain silent”, adding that “Not speaking up is the worst thing. It is like a tumour, which will only grow bigger and bigger.”

The audience heard an inspiring address by HE Mr. Alon Ushpiz, Israeli Ambassador to India, which was read out in abstentia.

Ms Neeta Boochra, President Elect, FLO in her Vote of Thanks said “In the coming years it is the women who will take the centre stage. They will be the ones responsible for transforming politics, improving governance, and ensuring inclusive and socially sensitive development.”

The session was moderated by Ms Suhasini Haider, Sr. Editor and Prime Time Anchor, CNN-IBN who made the session extremely interactive and memorable by sensitively touching upon issues pertaining to gender based violence and abuse.

The programme was very well appreciated by everyone present who found it inspiring and touching.