In FIN, in Kameswaram village, we always do a special event on March 8, to demonstrate and nurture women’s empowerment and this year we decided to hold a music competition. Today, Amutha madam from FIN, the main organizer of the event was there at the office by 8 AM to prepare the room lent to us for holding the competition. We divided contestants into two groups, girls below 20 years of age and women above 20, encouraging women of all ages to participate. Last Saturday, about 36 girls and women had come to participate in the preliminary round. Today, the 16 finalists sang before an enthusiastic audience!
The event was organized by Amutha madam and Raveena madam, with support from the rest of the FIN team, Nagalaxmi madam, Meena madam, Ranjita madam and of course Paranjothi sir.
The judges were Sundhari madam, Sathupriya madam, Ranjita madam, Meena madam and Govindan sir. In the below 20 group, Akathiya Harini and Gopikani won the first, second and third prizes respectively. In the above 20 group, featuring women in their fifties also, Bhagawathi, Kannagi and Renuka Devi, bagged the first, second and third prizes respectively. The Prize distribution was done by Vijaya madam, the Swachh Bharat Mission Supporting Officer, in Kameswaram village.
Anbhalagan sir, from Karikal FM Radio, was the Chief Guest. He discussed the reasons for the emergence of the International Women’s Day with the audience, which was greatly enjoyed. Then, he also praised FIN for its social innovation such as the Calendar indicating emergency and useful telephone numbers, instead of just the holidays. He was also impressed that women were coming forth to showcase their skills in music and willing to compete in a convivial setting. He liked the professionalism of the marking and the indicators for marks.
While waiting for the judges to add up the marks, I asked the audience, “What did you like about the competition?”
The ladies were forthcoming without any hesitation, “we really appreciate that FIN is giving an opportunity to women to sing in public, otherwise we wouldn’t have this possibility.”
Another woman was even more eloquent, she asked me: “so how many whatsapp messages did you receive or send today wishing a happy women’s day? This is all very nice, but so what? I want action and that’s why I liked the fact that we had a music competition today to bring women together and celebrate women’s talents, without regard to age!”
Of course, actions speak much louder than words or messages and that’s why we hold an event each year. Such actions are especially important as the UN notes that in the last few years, women’s rights have actually weakened in a quarter of all countries of the world. It is important that India continues on its path to empower women, for not only inclusive development, but also economic growth!