Education and economic independence is important for a woman, said Dr V Shanta, chairperson of the Adyar Cancer Institute, on Monday.

The doctor was addressing a large gathering of women during an International Women’s Day celebration organised by Asha Nivas Social Service Centre. She said that a woman should have economic independence to gain respect among others. “Women empowerment means good education, understanding, social concern and economic independence. There was a time when women took care of their children and were silent observers. Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy fought to study medicine from a village in Pudukottai district. She became the first medical graduate in the country and started Avvai home and Adyar Cancer Institute,” she said.

She further said that it was in the hands of a woman to control the man from drinking, stop fighting at home in front of the children and let the girl child at home get good education. “Parents are the role model for children. In urban areas, girls go to schools and colleges while in villages, boys go to school and girls stay at home. As women, you should let your girls study. Children should also be taught self-defence at schools to safeguard themselves from crimes,” the doctor said.

Advising women that extra care for children was necessary to protect them from accidents, Dr K Mathangi Ramakrishnan, chairperson of the Child Trust Hospital, recalled an incident where she helped a boy get care and support after his mother abandoned him following an accident that led to amputation of both his hands. “I get many kids with burn injuries mostly due to falling in to hot sambar, oil or water. Many mothers still leave their children in the kitchen when they cook,” she pointed out.

About 42 best self-help groups were given awards while an exhibition with products made by SHGs was also inaugurated.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Express News Service – Chennai / March 18th, 2014