Mahila Mandalee hosts Hindu women’s conference

The Mahila Mandalee, the women’s section of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, has organised a Hindu Women’s Conference today.

According to a press release from the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, the conference is being held under the theme, ‘Inspiring Change: today’s Hindu Woman in Perspective,’ and it seeks to “create a platform to connect, inspire and empower Hindu women in Guyana through the exploration of Hindu values, give a voice to Hindu women on contemporary issues faced by them as the nucleus of the family in Guyana and develop, support structures for their holistic, physical, intellectual and emotional empowerment.”

Among the topics listed for presentation and discussion are: ‘Hindu Women in the scriptures: the lessons to be learnt,’ ‘Domestic Violence and the Hindu Woman today’ and ‘Choices.’

The release identified Minister of Human Services and Social Security Jennifer Webster, veteran educator Savitri Balbahadur, University of Guyana lecturer and Behavior Change/ Communication Advisor Paulette Henry, and President of the Dharmic Sabha Dr. Vindhya Persaud as those listed to make presentations. In addition, First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar is scheduled to make remarks at opening of the Conference.

The Sabha said some 300 women from the Sabha’s Praants in Essequibo, Berbice and Demerara are expected to attend the Conference, along with representatives from other Hindu organisations and women groups.

The release added that the Mandalee considers the Conference to be timely and hopes that it will provide a platform for candid discussions among the women attending. “It is the Mandalee’s fervent wish that the outcome of this forum enables positive future planning and execution of activities for women,” it noted.

The conference will begin at 9am at the Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra in Prashad Nagar.