Various ladies participated in cultural performances that focused on saving the girl child. Twenty one women were also felicitated by members of Essar Ladies Club for their contribution in the areas of education, healthcare, community social service and entrepreneurship. Ms Alpana Jain, the District Program Officer of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme in Surat was the keynote speaker.
Ms Jain spoke about various issues regarding girl children including saving them, the importance of educating them and various initiatives undertaken by the government for their benefit. She also discussed the ill effects of child marriage and how it affects the overall growth of girls and their children.
A renowned gynecologist Dr Sonia Chandani then touched upon maternal and child health issues. She explained the preventive and precautionary measures to be taken during pregnancy. She also emphasized on menstrual hygiene for adolescent girls. Dr Chandani conducted an interactive session on reproductive health issues which helped spread awareness among the women.
