National Gender & Women’s Assembly Organized by the NCY India
The National Council of YMCAs of India
National Gender / Women Assembly & International Women’s Day Celebration
YMCA Camp Centre, Yelagiri
March 7-9, 2025
A Brief Report
The National Council of YMCAs of India organized the National Gender/Women Assembly & International Women’s Day Celebration at YMCA Camp Centre, Yelagiri, hosted by YMCA Boys Division, Tirupattur during March 7-9, 2025.
On Friday, 7th March at 4 pm, Inauguration was graced by Dr. Betsy Williams, National Vice President, NCYI as the Chief guest among the other YMCA Dignitaries present. Dr. Sheila Jackson, Chairperson, Women’s Empowerment and Gender Concern Committee, NCYI, chaired the event. Mr. G. Sundersingh Barnabas, Asst. National General Secretary, NCYI offered Greetings on behalf of The National Council of YMCAs of India. Adv. T. Ashok Kumar, Vice Chairman, welcomed the gathering. Dr. Sheila Benjamin, Convenor of the Assembly briefed the three-day program. There were 125 participants representing 35 local YMCAs participated in the Assembly. Ms. Aasha Ramesh, Gender Development Consultant, Bangalore gave a Keynote address on the theme “Gender Equity: A Shared Responsibility for Sustainable Communities" expressing about women in contemporary situations in society, and particularly emphasized on women’s empowerment to become sustainable women and turn to sustainable communities.
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The first session was led by Mr. Benjamin Franklin, Treasurer, Southern India Region on the topic “Policy and Advocacy: Strengthening Gender Justice in YMCA” briefing about the Good Governance Policy which is practicing in YMCAs and he urged all the local YMCAs need to implement this policy. The day ended with a cultural Night by the students of YMCA College of Physical Education, Chennai.
The Second day began with devotion by the Participants from YMCA Bangalore and Patna, the first session was led by Mrs. Shalin Maria Lawrence, Human Rights Activist, Chennai, on the Theme “Workplace Inclusion: Creating Equitable Opportunities” She spoke about the challenges for Working women at the workplace and during the travel and home.
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The Assembly observed International Women’s Day as a special program. Ms. Aash Ramesh spoke on the occasion as a special guest on the UN Theme: “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” As part of this celebration, presented some Women’s Day Special Award as a recognition of excellence, perseverance, and dedication. honoring women who have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields; breaking barriers, empowering others, and paving the way for future generations. Each recipient of the award embodies the spirit of determination, compassion, and leadership, and we are privileged to acknowledge their efforts and achievements.
Session 4 was presented by Dr. Sheila Benjamin, Executive Secretary, SCINDeA on the topic “Climate Justice and Gender: Women at the Forefront of Sustainability”. She elicits the role of women in Climate Change and its effect on the global impact.
Post lunch session was visiting sustainable agriculture farms and Yelagiri local sightseeing. As the day faded the delegates brightened with colorful performances, especially the South West India Region delegates performed a marvelous dance by prorating different states’ folk culture.
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The third day (Sunday) commenced with a Holy Communion service conducted by Rev. Dr. Livingston. The final day’s first session was led by Mr. Susai Michele, NGO Consultant from Chennai, on the Theme “Youth for Gender Equity: Agents of Change”.
The Assembly concluded with a Valedictory and Certificate distribution Ceremony on 9th March by 12 noon. Mrs. Saramma, former Chairperson of SWIR welcomed the gathering and Dr. Sheila Benjamin led the “Way Forward” session in which the POSH Act was adopted for Indian YMCAs. Participation Certificates were distributed to all the delegates. Conclusively, Mr. S. George Bernardsha, Executive Secretary proposed the vote of thanks on behalf of Dr. Koshy Alexander Vaidyan, Secretary, Youth Work Department, NCYI. The closing prayer and benediction pronounced by Er. M. M. Selvakumar, Vice Chairman, YMCA Boys Division, Tirupattur Project, NCYI.
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Eldo N. V.
National General Secretary NCYI