The Rationale of the Conference 

Every woman has a worthwhile story to tell. Only an equally worthy platform is required to tell these stories. Sheroes was an attempt to be a platform for these powerful stories. Each story is a learning and life teaching, teaching us lessons that go beyond textbooks. These remarkable women with their grit and never give up attitude will always instil values in all of us. 

In a bid to encourage students who are grappling with all kinds of uncertainties during the COVID-19 pandemic, we, at DGMC, want to inject in them a level of hope and enthusiasm for life and prod them to interact with our guests and ask them questions in order to gain a better understanding about how to deal with adversities in life and emerge stronger. 

The Conference aimed at progress in advancing gender equality and empowerment of women and girls. Discrimination against women and other genders in law and in practice persists, and consistent efforts are required to overcome this refinement 

The inaugural function commenced with Principal of DGMC, Dr. Amee Vora giving the welcome address. Shri Ashok Ji Saraf, the chairperson of Rajasthani Sammelan Education Trust addressed the audience giving his best wishes for the success of the event. He emphasized on the beliefs of RSET, wherein the need for women empowerment is not just an organizational goal. The trust believes and lives up to its mission of educating the girl child.  Shri Narendraji Goenka underlined that women need to have equal right to participate in education, society, economy and politically. He reiterated the thoughts of Shri Ashok Ji Saraf of providing empowerment through education.

The conference was graced by the Chief Guest Dr. R. D. Kulkarni, Hon’ble Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of Mumbai. He stressed on the need for women empowerment and the requirement to redefine the status of women in society. He reiterated the fact that if women empowerment has to work, it will begin with women’s active participation.

The Guest of Honour for the event was Dr. Urvashi Pandya, Chairperson, Women Development Cell, University of Mumbai. She also stressed on the fact that unless women are empowered to take a decisive part in the social, political and economic life of the country, the very development of the country will be male dominated She-Heroes esteemed key note speaker was Sumaira Abdulali who is an Environmental Activist. She is an environmental activist focusing on sand mining and noise pollution. She highlighted the need for every citizen to be active in their contribution towards the environment safety and protection. She outlined the adversities faced by women of all ages on homes and streets, how it can be tackled, and how women stand up for themselves and overcome such situations. 

The speaker of the first session was Ms. Archana Dutta. She is a CEO of Second Art. She emphasised the need for organisations to provide anyone and everyone with the tools and opportunities they might be needing, to give wings to their desires and consequently help people in discovering their inner callings, dreams. Learning happens through conversations, and leads to introspection. She believes in creating safe spaces for women, where they can discover themselves and attain mindfulness through self- awareness and unfiltered conversations. She encouraged each one of us to be better versions of ourselves.

The speaker for the second session was Ms. Hasina Khan, founder of Bebaak Collective (Voice of Fearless), Fearless campaigner, Mumbai- based champion of the cause for gender justice for Muslim women and other minorities. As a campaigner against unilateral triple talaq in the Supreme Court of India, Hasina Khan has always been at the fore, raising issues and questions of women’s rights in general, and Muslim women’s rights in particular. 

The speaker for the third session was Smt. Sarubai Waghmare. The journey from a rag picker to a folk artist and poetess. There is no age or time when it comes to expressing your thoughts and feelings. Life experiences inspired Sarubhai to write her 1st poem in 1995. Right from politics to waste management, she has created poems on an ensemble of topics. If you make up your mind, sky is the limit. This session was an indicator of that. 

The speaker for the fourth and final session was Ms. Priya Vispute. Adversities can be an encouragement and challenge you to achieve your goals. Her life is the living example of that. 

Along with the conference, IQAC and WDC of DGMC and WDC of University of Mumbai held a poster making competition for all students in the country.

The Themes of the competition were; 

1.     Urbanization and waste Management 

2.     Violence against women 

3.     Women empowerment 

The conference received a huge response from all-over India, not only from the conference participants but also from students participating in the poster making competition. From the many creative entries, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes and a consolation prize was declared. Three professional artists viz – Mr. Sahdev Dave, Mr. Pradeep Das and Prof. Shalu Balan were specially invited for judging the competition. Of the four competition winners, two were young DGMC students. 

The juries shared their views about the competition and emphasised on how important it is to protect women and stop the violence and discrimination against them. They shared their expertise on the art and how every piece of painting portrayed a story of their own. Mr. Shalu Balan announced the winners, and  Mr. Sahdev Dave gave his insight on the winner’s posters that gave them the edge above others. The recipient of the first award was Gotika Das from Nagindas Khandwala College, Mumbai SYBAMMC. The second prize went to Nancy Vaghani, Nagindas Khandwala College, Mumbai FYBMS. The Third prize was received by Aaliya Khan of Deviprasad Goenka Management College of Media Studies TYBAMMC specializing in advertising and lastly, the consolation prize was honoured to Mrunal Parab – from Deviprasad Goenka Management College of Media Studies, FYBAFTNMP. 

The juries wished all of the participants and winners to keep spreading love and awareness through their talent of art. All the inspiring stories by the speakers and the words of motivation from the Jury members touched the hearts of the attendees and enabled them to have a better understanding of the situation and how to face it. 

The mark of event was – the life-inspiring speaker stories, the enthusiastic conference and creative competition participation.