Dr Nandhini Azad called for an Independence Day that goes beyond political freedom to ensure gender equality, dignity, equal rights and equal opportunities for women while addressing a school uniform distribution programme at Chennai Higher Secondary School, Royapettah.
The programme, organised by Nurturing Futures, Working Women’s Forum (WWF), Indian Cooperative Network for Women (ICNW) and India Literacy Project under the Tamil Nadu Government’s Namma School Namma Ooru Palli initiative, aimed to support students’ education and girls’ empowerment.
Dr Azad highlighted the role of WWF in strengthening women working in the informal sector and creating better educational opportunities for girls. She stressed the need for a society free from gender-based violence and encouraged boys to share household responsibilities and support their mothers.
A notable feature of the initiative was the participation of Royapettah vegetable vendors who are members of WWF–ICNW. The women contributed to the programme, demonstrating the spirit of community participation.
The event also recognised 20 students from WWF–ICNW member families, including five who completed schooling and 15 who are continuing their education, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to education and social empowerment.
