Started with the motto of giving moral support to homemakers, Progressive Women’s Association at Ashok Nagar, is a successful place for women to show their grit and power and stand on their own feet.
The association that was started in 1995, has contributed a lot to the society and its environment.
Speaking to News Today, founder and president of the association, Poornima Kumar, shared the association’s achievements and future plans.
Caring for the environment, the association members started the mega project – Greening of Ashok Nagar. “Under this plan, we have planted nearly 400 trees in all the school campuses at Ashok Nagar. We also made sure to secure these plants by having a tie-up with United India Insurance who guarded the plants for us. Even as Cyclone Vardah destroyed and uprooted most of the trees, we managed to re-plant them with experts’ help,” said Poornima Kumar.
You think the service ends here? No. The group has helped students with their education, too. “We have adopted four balwadis – the noon meal centres at Ashok Nagar and have equipped them with gas connections, furniture, fans, and utensils. Our members frequently visit these centres and oversee their activities,” said the association president.
She further said they arranged for a special artiste who is an NRI from France to paint the walls of the balwadis with colourful pictures that stresses the importance of education. Apart from this, they also teach adolescent girls about personal hygiene and safety.
The association has always ensured the safety of girls. As a standing example for this, they have installed CCTV cameras near government girls school to protect them from anti-social elements in the area. They also conduct self-defence classes for girl students to empower them.
Apart from this, they have also marked their strong presence during natural calamities like the Chennai and Kerala floods and cyclone, by extending a helping hand to the affected people. Every second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, the members meet and have a healthy conversation amongst themselves on various social topics.
The association is located at No 20, 54th Street, 9th Avenue, Ashok Nagar, Chennai -83. Ph: 99410 18210/2489 2798.
| Future plans |
| The association plans to empower house maids through beauty camps in the balwadi centres, by teaching them the skills of simple beauty treatments like hair dye application, oil massage, and pedicure which they can do for their employers and earn extra income. |