March 8^th 2017, FSL India- Kundapur celebrated International Women’s Day as an organisation aware of the struggles of women in society world-wide.Everyone in our centre was wearing something purple or pink to identify with this day.

FSL-India celebrated in a very special way. Volunteers and staff from countries all over the world (India, Germany, Spain, France and Japan) participated in this event. First, all the women participated in some games just to have fun and create a nice and comfortable atmosphere. Afterwards, everyone – both men and women, were asked to draw a woman and then to explain to the group why we represented a woman in this way. It was interesting to see the difference in the understanding of what makes a woman be a woman in each culture. Then, we had a poetry reading, enacted a drama and spoke about the challenges of women in rural India. Flowers were also given at the beginning of the event.

We had fun and everybody enjoyed themselves. However, we are really aware of the fact that a day like this is to remind everyone that still we do not have gender equality in this world and that women have to face thousands of problems such as beauty stereotypes, role conflicts (mother, wife, worker) or abuses (sexual, economical, verbal).

We are also aware of the fact that gender equality is sadly lacking in the world, be it in the East or the West, and that is why organisations like FSL-India, with our global approach in volunteering programs, try to empower women and support women’s causes not only in India but also all over the world.

                FSL India-Kundapur wishes power, peace and respect to all the women of the world!