Page 117 - July-August 2020

Indian Optometric Association. Prize recipient. “I raise my voice – not
so that I can shout, but so that those
Dr Prasad began the webinar on without a voice can be heard… We
the right note by quoting author Diane cannot all succeed when half of us are
Mariechild: “A women is the full circle. held back.” Ruchika spoke about the
Within her is the power to create, nurture importance of self-confidence, the
and transform.” emotional and financial independence

The event was moderated by Thanuja that comes from education, and how
Panicker Naicker who invited Pooja everyone should strive to upgrade their
Singh to open the discussion. Pooja drew knowledge. She believes women should
upon another apt quote, this one by speak up if they face abuse without
Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General thinking about being judged.
of the United Nations: “There is no tool “Take control of your life, shut down
for development more effective than negativity and do not give up on your
the empowerment of women.” As Ms goals/dreams,” advised
Singh said, “Evidence shows that putting Neha Prashant. While staying focussed,
economic resources in women’s hands is one should lean towards family support.
the best way to accelerate development
and sustainably reduce poverty… Women While summing up the session,
typically invest in their families and Thanuja pointed out that the number
communities significantly more than of women professionals in the field of
men – spreading wealth and increasing optometry has grown from less than 21%
the quality of life for themselves and in 1976 to 38% at present.
their families… Education as a means
of empowerment of women can bring In the next session, Thanuja invited
about a positive attitudinal change.” women optometrists to share their
experiences including the challenges
The next speaker, Mayuri faced by women. Vidya Shriram, now
Deka, drew attention to women’s a full time teacher, shared that it was
empowerment being intertwined with her passion that helped her juggle
respect for human rights. “It is about running her own clinic, teaching part-
changing the way the world perceives time, and doing voluntary work. That
women and their strengths.” She also many of her students are successful
addressed the importance of economic professionals is most satisfying.
empowerment which increases their On clinical practice, she feels that
self-worth and equal opportunities to women’s naturally compassionate
access leadership roles. nature is great for patients.

Ruchika Yadav quoted Malala Today many more women are
Yousafzai, the young campaigner entering the field, stated Mitalee
for girl’s education and Nobel Peace Choudhury whose focus is paediatric

JULY-AUG 2020 | 113 Women