Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC), Qatar celebrated International Women’s Day on March 9, 2017 from 7 p.m.at the Indian Cultural Centre with the women of the club, in respect of International Women’s day celebrated worldwide on 8th March every year and was attended by 40 women. Though MCC has celebrated Women’s Day twice earlier,but this year, it wascelebrated after a gap of many years.

International Women's Day celebrated on March 8th is dedicated to women and is a day to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of ordinary women.The theme of 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 invoking God’s blessings with a meaningful prayer by KavitaTauro in remembrance of all women all over the world. The ladies of the executive committee Riana Pinto, PrabhaRego, TreesaGoveas and Jessy Mendoncathen escorted the Chief Guest Mrs. 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 dias. General Secretary Riana Pinto welcomed the gathering.Mrs. Wilma D’Souza gave a wonderful presentation on the extraordinary achievements of Indian women, who area source of inspiration to women and the entire society.

PrabhaRego, Cultural Secretary and ShaliniMonthero, Cultural committee member recited beautiful poems on Women. Chief Guest Mrs. Milan Arun , a multi-talented Mangalorean 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 your life with a never give-up attitude. She encouraged women also to be instrumental in molding the children, young boys especially teaching them to respect women from young age.

Dr. Charmaine D’Souza, MD, MRCOG, MRCGP(Int.), Mangalorean 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 interactive Question/ Answer session.

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

TreesaGoveas, Membership Secretary then proposed the vote of thanks expressing gratitude to all who played active part in organizing and conducting the event. The evening was beautifully hostedby Wendy Lewis.

Cultural Secretary PrabhaRego, who will soon be leaving Qatar with her 2 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.PrabhaRego with a heavy heart spoke a few words and thanked MCC for the opportunity given to serve the dynamic Mangalorean community.

The evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all 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 limited to spot games only. Snacks and juices were provided to all.