Theeradesa Mahila Society (TMS) along with FCDP, Kollam celebrated International Women’s Day on 7 March 2020. The Kollam Excise Department and District Legal Services Authority collaborated with TMS in a series of programmes to mark the occasion. A scooter rally with women riders was flagged off by Ms. Jijimol- Circle Inspector, City Police. The scooter rally started at 4.30 pm from Kollam with the participation of more than 100 women. It was followed by an awareness rally attended by more than 700 women. The rally consisting of floats and tableaux was flagged off from the Thangassery bus bay by Ms. Subitha Chirakkal, Sub-Judge. The rally culminated with a public meeting held at the Kodimaram ground, Pallithottam. Mr. N. K. Premachandran, Hon. MP, Kollam inaugurated the meeting. He appreciated the efforts and interventions of TMS and FCDP for the upliftment and empowerment of the coastal women.
Ms. Shahida Kamal of the Women’s Commission inaugurated the project Nurture, Educate and Transform Society (NETS) a new initiative by FCDP which aims at a substance-free and alcohol-free fisher community in Kollam. In the function, Ms. Jane Lawrence and Ms. Mable Xavier were honoured for their contributions to the Theeradesa Mahila Society and the Fishermen Community Development Programme. Mr. Binu George – Motor Vehicle Inspector, Kollam presented driving licenses to the women who had passed their driving tests.
Mr. Shaji J Varghese- Excise Asst. Commissioner & Coordinator Vimukthi, Fr. Sunny Uppen -Vicar, St. Stephen’s Church, Thope, Adv. Sheeba Antony, Adv. Vinitha Vincent, Ms. Shantini Shubhadevan – Councillor, Dr. Sintha Mendez- Chairperson of FCDP, Ms. Agnes John- President of TMS, and Fr. Joby Sebastian, Director of FCDP spoke at the function. Cultural programmes by the Don Bosco Youth Forum and Children’s Forum added colour and flavour to the programme.