International Women’s Day, on March 8th, is an opportunity to recognise the strength and courage of every woman. In the Vedruna Provinces of Japan and India, this celebration took shape through meaningful gatherings filled with joy, reflection and commitment. From intimate gatherings with music and prayer in Taiwan to large community meetings in India, each space became a witness of empowerment and solidarity. Through these experiences, we reaffirm our mission to accompany and strengthen women in their journey of growth and transformation.
Taiwan, Province of Japan
This year we celebrated “Women’s Day” in Suao. Despite the smaller group, nine of us gathered together, and it turned out to be an intimate and delightful experience.
We created a cozy atmosphere where we could enjoy each other’s company. The highlight of the celebration was the music—we sang the songs we loved, letting the melodies bring us closer together. Karaoke was great, and it brought out everyone’s fun side, as we sang out our favorite tunes. Laughter and joy filled the place, making it clear that the best moments don’t always come from big crowds but from the connection between friends.
We also had games similar to “Bingo” and it added to the fun because there were prizes for those who won; this brought out our playful side and strengthened our bond. To complement the warmth of our shared time, we sipped on hot Chinese Oolong tea, which kept us relaxed and content. With each sip, we engaged in heartfelt conversations, recalling the past, and shared our dreams and aspirations for the future. The tea seemed to amplify the serenity of the moment, turning our small gathering into a meaningful celebration of friendship, strength, beauty, and womanhood.
Although we missed those who couldn’t make it, we were reminded that Women’s Day is about more than just the event itself—it’s about celebrating the bonds we share and the strength we draw from each other, whether near or far. It was a beautiful day, filled with laughter, warmth, and the simple joy of being together.
The bonding didn’t stop with our Women’s Day gathering. After the celebration, we invited three of our Vedruna friends who had expressed their desire to become Lay Vedruna to join us in praying the evening prayers together. This brought a deeper sense of spirituality and unity to our day, as we all gathered to share in this sacred moment of prayer. It was a beautiful way to continue the day’s theme of connection, and it allowed us to center ourselves before sharing a meal.
After prayers, we enjoyed a simple yet meaningful dinner together. Although the other two friends who are also interested in becoming Lay Vedruna couldn’t join us that evening due to their retreat, we had the joy of meeting them the next day for Sunday Mass. To our delight, they too confirmed their desire to become Lay Vedruna. For me, this moment was particularly special. After five years of hard work, dedication, and nurturing this journey, I could finally see the seed that had been planted growing. Witnessing these friends express their commitment and desire to be part of the Lay Vedruna community filled my heart with immense joy. It was a clear reminder that when we stay faithful to our mission, God’s wonders unfold in beautiful and unexpected ways.
All I could do in that moment was praise and thank God for the grace and wonders He works in our lives. The celebration of Women’s Day became more than just a joyful gathering—it became a testament to the power of community, prayer, and the way God’s plans unfold when we least expect it.
Sr. Rosa Dabhi, ccv
Province of India
All through the month of March, the Province of India celebrates this day in the mission. Women gather together to show their talents, have seminars, discuss issues and prepare their action plans. This year too the Province celebrated this day in different places on different dates.
In Unai, around 300 women gathered to celebrate their own day. The theme of the day was enhancing widows on their rights, schemes available and awareness on organic farming and kitchen garden. Our resource person was the coordinator for the widows scheme from the women and child welfare department. She spoke to them about the different schemes and women’s issues.
The mission of Bardipada gathered the women to celebrate their strength and it began with a song, sung by a physically challenged woman and a single mother. The celebration focused on the empowerment of women. The event aimed at celebrating our women’s role in creating an egalitarian mentality in the community, highlighting their achievements, and fostering a greater sense of their solidarity as well as empowerment. The chief guest of the event was Mrs. Induben Gamit, who has not been privileged to receive a formal education yet has built herself up through her God given talents. She has been and continues to be a great inspiration to our society; on her own intuitive and hard work she has developed the herbal oil business. Her product is well known all around. She has received several awards in this field. Her words of wisdom and the sharing of challenging life experiences encouraged all the participants. A pledge was taken by all the women to continue working towards their empowerment and the betterment of the community.
On the 10th of March 2025, International Women’s Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Jamkhandi Mission, where approximately 500 self-help group members gathered to mark the occasion. The women took the opportunity to encourage and appreciate their efforts and hard work. The highlight of the celebration was a vibrant cultural program, showcasing the talents of the women. The presence of Sr. Dolly as the chief guest added a special touch to the celebration. Her inspiring words and warm interactions with the women left a lasting impact, motivating them to continue striving for better and better. She encouraged them to make a positive difference in their communities and in the society, by encouraging the women to educate their children. She appreciated the women for their progress. The guests as they spoke highlighted the key aspects of women’s empowerment.
In Simalwara and Uplat, the women were gathered at our centers and had a day of celebration and inputs. It was a time for the women to showcase their potential, their strength and their determination to work for a better society. The coming of women in such great numbers is itself a sign of the impact of our years of tireless work with the women and the fruit of many sessions and seminars. They have grown out of their fear and are now empowering other women in their villages by motivating them to be part of the self-help groups and Cooperatives run by the women.
Sr. Dolly Michael, ccv
