Media Release

Doha, Mar 14: Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC), Qatar celebrated International Women’s Day on March 9 from 7 pm at the Indian Cultural Centre. The women of the club, with respect to International Women’s day celebrated worldwide on March 8 every year and was attended by 40 women. Though MCC had celebrated Women’s Day twice earlier, this year, it was celebrated after a gap of many years.

International Women's Day celebrated on March 8 is dedicated to women and is a day to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of ordinary women.The theme for this year was 'Women in the changing world of work: planet 50-50 by 2030'. The organizing committee of MCC took great efforts to plan an evening of fun, camaraderie and entertainment. It was an opportunity for the women to take a break from their routine and relax in the company of other women.

The evening began by invoking God’s blessings with a meaningful prayer by Kavita Tauro in remembrance of women all over the world. The ladies of the executive committee Riana Pinto, Prabha Rego, Treesa Goveas and Jessy Mendonca then escorted the chief guest Milan Arun, president of Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), an apex body of Embassy of India, and guest of honor Dr Charmaine D’Souza to the dais. General secretary Riana Pinto welcomed the gathering. Wilma D’Souza presented a wonderful presentation on the extraordinary achievements of Indian women, who are a source of inspiration to women and the entire society.

Prabha Rego, cultural secretary and Shalini Monthero, cultural committee member recited beautiful poems on women. Chief guest Milan Arun, a multi-talented Mangalurean lady then addressed the gathering and spoke about her successful journey of becoming president of ICC in Nov 2016. She motivated women to rise up, overcome challenges and live life with a never give-up attitude. She encouraged women also to be instrumental in molding children, young boys especially teaching them to respect women from a young age.

Dr Charmaine D’Souza, MD, MRCOG, MRCGP(Int), Mangalurean gynecologist presented a medical talk addressing on 'women’s health issues' and touched base on different problems concerning Women’s health. It was followed by an interactive question/ answer session.

Rita Andrade, cultural committee member then conducted the introduction session for all the ladies wherein all were called forward to introduce themselves and share their thoughts on Women's Day. They were presented with a memento.

Treesa Goveas, membership secretary then proposed the vote of thanks expressing gratitude to all who played an active part in organizing and conducting the event. The evening was beautifully hosted by Wendy Lewis.

Cultural secretary Prabha Rego, who will soon be leaving for Qatar with her two lovely daughters to join her husband Kenny Rego in Sharjah was given a farewell. Della Rego, cultural committee member bid a farewell message. President Prakash Noronha then spoke a few words thanking her for her active role in the club over the years, who had also served as joint cultural secretary earlier, for her family contribution to the club since 2008 and wished them success. President then presented Prabha with a Qatar souvenir and gift. Prabha Rego with a heavy heart spoke a few words and thanked MCC for the opportunity given to serve the dynamic Mangalurean community.

The evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all the women as expressed by them in the company of beautiful women and with wonderful talks from speakers. Due to time constraints, games could not be conducted and were just limited to spot games. Snacks and juices were provided to all.