India Post News Service
Fremont, CALIFORNIA: International Women Day was celebrated at a gala event March 9 at Fremont Santa Clara Marriot, here.
The event was organized by Parmeet Randhawa, Kay Walia and Sharon Gill, the founders of International Women Platform site devoted to promoting gender equality. It was hosted by Teresa Cox, Ohlone College Board executive for cybersecurity firm and former trade advisory board for Clinton and Obama administrations. The event coincided with the UN recognized International Women’s Day to celebrate the achievements of women across the world.
In her opening remarks, Randhawa saluted those women “who paved the ways for us” but said that still a lot needs to be done on promoting gender equality in all social structures.
“The laws may exist on the books, but gender inequality exists in the very fabric of our cultures; this is what we need to change,” she said and then introduced Cox amid thunderous applause.
Powerful and meaningful speeches were delivered starting with CEO Genius Kids Renu Dhillon talking about how women are women’s worse enemies, how demeaning women are to the widows, divorced or single women.
Dhillon said that women wag their tongues more than theier male counterparts in trying to put others down. Men, however for the most part are supportive while the insecure women are not.
Attorney Joann Babiak, a mediator, businesswoman, social activist herself, talked about the actions, that need to bridge social gaps, change physical barriers that prevent our growth as humans.
Attorney Ginny Walia, a criminal defense counsel, spoke about domestic violence and resources that are available.
Jagdeep Singh, a JP Morgan IT executive, mentioned how his company has nearly 50 per cent women executives.
“Women need to be more assertive and do their homework on career choices to close this pay gap,” Singh said.
Sarina Virk, a career coach and human rights activist also shared her experience in speaking up when one sees something wrong, She said that that woman should not underestimate her worth and ask for salary she deserve for equitable work.
Seema Giri, an author on wellness articles, books and workshops, shared her experience on how she combined natural remedies, Western medicines and spirituality in the healing process, and
went from being bedridden to be healthy again and onto writing books and helping others heal.
Marshnell Wright, focused on importance of taking care of self, focus on own worth, working hard and not feeling guilty when you are treating yourself.
Shazia Sultana, a homemaker, wife and mother delivered speech in Urdu in which she focused on women learning to be independent, gain respect and give respect. She said the spouses need to nurture growth and talked about how she led by example, which changed many in her community, to the extent where men usually did not bring their wives to social events to now women starting to come and taking selfies.
The organizers also honored Dr. Romesh Japra, FIA Founder and Chairman and FOG Founder Chairman, and who is credited with organizing the largest India Day Parades for decades and supporting meaningful community efforts for good causes.
Dr. Charanjit Uppal was honored for always stepping up to assist meaningful cultural events and supporting the diaspora.
Sumati Saksena Rao, Consul (Communisty Affairs, Information and Culture) at the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, was honored as well.
The other honorary mentions included Alka Bhatnagar, Kamal Nair, Deepak Mehta and Ms. Rahal.
The event was sponsored by Rajwinder Khara, former India army recruiter, Kim Khara, a realtor, Teresa Cox, Joann Babiak, Shazia Sultana, Seema, and the organizers themselves.
Parmeet Randhawa requested those attending the event to visit their Facebook page, International Women Platform and add their articles, opinions and inquiries on being the keynote speaker for next year.
The organizers also expressed their gratitude to the media partners, Vidya, India Post, Sitaree TV, Azmi Gill, Nomi Dhar and the entire community for posting positive reviews on social media as well.
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