JOHANNESBURG, May 22: An association of Indian women in South Africa, popularly known as “Muskaan” (Smile), has launched a campaign to eradicate violence against women and to support underprivileged children in the African nation.
The Indian Women’s Association of South Africa, which comprises mainly expatriate Indian women and a few South African Indians, is being headed by Veena Gupta, the wife of Indian High Commissioner to South Africa Virendra Gupta.
“Muskaan aims not only at supporting underprivileged women and children but also to bring together women of all communities in South Africa,” Veena Gupta said.
“Today civilisations and society are judged by the way they treat their children, women, elderly and other vulnerable sections of society. The tradition of India, marking women with respect and compassion, symbolises every woman as mother, spouse and daughter apart from their important role as leaders of India in all walks of life,” she added.
“It is simply unacceptable that the women in our society should live in fear and anxiety,” she said.
Political parties, intellectuals and leaders across the board from all walks of life, have echoed their concern about the safety and security of women in the wake of recent incidents of gang rape both in India and South Africa.
Gupta said the members of Muskaan shared the condemnation of such heinous activities.
The association has hosted a fund raising film premiere here. All proceeds of the premiere were given to charities, including a contribution to “TEARS” -an organisation that aims to help victims of rape and sexual abuse across South Africa. (PTI)
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