Indian Catholic Madurai Multi-Purpose Social Service Society celebrates International Women’s Day

Madurai Multipurpose Social Service Society (MMSSS) celebrated International Women’s Day at MMSSS central office in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India on March 15, 2023.

International Women’s Day was celebrated with the theme, “A heroic woman on her Journey to Liberation.”

The Vice-President of the MMSSS and Vicar General of Madurai Archdiocese, Jerome Eeronimus said, “ A woman's greatest strength is her courage to challenge society and face the future. He congratulated all the women on leading the way for women's emancipation."

MMSSS's secretary and treasurer, Father G. Gabriel, said that women's liberation involves liberating the feminine side of men and the masculine side of women, as well as liberating yourself and others from social evils."

Dr Jamunarani, a woman and a pediatrician, stated, "women must consume a balanced and nutritious diet, it is the responsibility of every woman to raise a healthy generation, and it is important for women to take care of their physical and mental health."

Mrs Arockiamary, a Tamil Nadu Communist Party member, said we should emulate Velu Nachiyar, queen of the Sivaganga estate in India from 1780 to 1790, in fight against social injustice.  

According to a lawyer at the Madurai branch of the High Court, "the laws concerning gender equality and the history of the law" are important. So let us move forward and achieve our life goals."

Documentary film director Ms Divya Bharathi said women should be self-dependent and know technology and treat both boys and girls equally in the family.”

Sister Daisy, the provincial of the Congregation of the Immaculate Conception (CIC) stated that education is a powerful weapon to change the world. So, education is a vital tool for women after marriage as well."

More than 200 Self-Help Group members, Father Alvarez Sebastian, Procurator of the Madurai Archdiocese, Father Pari Valan, Father Deva, and Father Vinoth Mathyas participated in the function

Self-Help Group members (SHG) performed some cultural dances like Oyilattam, karakam and sang an awareness song to create awareness among the participants.

The event was organized successfully by Father Rajan (Assistant Secretary), Father Ignatius Stalin (Assistant Secretary), Mr Justin, Mrs Mariyal and the Core team.

Madurai Multipurpose Social Service Society (MMSSS) was founded in 1968 by Father Susai Michael Raj, a Catholic priest of the Madurai Archdiocese.

As a charity organization, it provided poverty alleviation programs for the poor and starving. 

MMSSS Society's motto is "To set free the oppressed".

By the end of 1988, the group had examined its own activities, clarified its envisioned trajectory, and rephrased its motto to "To achieve an equal society in solidarity with the oppressed" covering Madurai (including Theni district), Kamarajar (Virudhunagar) and three Taluks of Anna District (Dindigul).

From 1988 onwards, MMSSS began to involve in development issues and take initiatives such as organizing and forming communities and organizations and building grassroots communities' capacity through innovative empowerment programs, particularly for women, children, and Dalits. 

The empowerment of women is achieved through a variety of significant programs and activities.

They are Mahalir Mandrams (Women Associations/SHGs), Empowerment Programs for Dalits and women in Dindigul and Theni districts, Mahalir Thittam project supported by the Government of Tamil Nadu in Madurai and Virudhunagar districts, Kolping Self Help Groups, Kolping Hostel for studying & working girls, Care Home Association of Madurai (CHAM) for destitute and widows and Domestic Service Project for domestic workers falls under the categories of destitute, widows and single women.  - Anbu Selvam