International women’s day conference held virtually on March 8

Distressed Children & Infants International (DCI), an international non-profit child rights organisation, and the Rotary Club of Cambridge jointly hosted a virtual conference in celebration of International Women's Day on Monday, March 8, 2021.

The conference aimed to create a larger international network, to strengthen the attendees' collective voice against gender-based violence and discrimination and to work towards a world in which all women have access to quality healthcare, education, and equal opportunity, according to a press release issued to media.

Senator Elizabeth Warren.

The event brought together civic leaders, humanitarian advocates, and distinguished members of the Rotary Club of Cambridge.

The theme of the event was the empowerment of women and girls, which is critical to the success of local and international communities.

The program included remarks from Elizabeth Warren, Senator for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Denise Jillson, Executive Director of the Harvard Square Business Association, presented awards to Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, Cambridge City Mayor; Lori Karas, District Governor Nominee, Rotary District 7930 District Secretary (2020-2021), and Assistant Governor (2019-2021); Babita Akhtar, internationally acclaimed actress and a renowned star of Bangladeshi cinema; and Lori Lander, Founding Organizer at the Many Helping Hands 365 Club.  

In addition, the conference sought to raise awareness about women's rights and issues faced by underprivileged communities all over the world. 

Dr Ehsan Hoque and Dr Brian DeBroff spoke about the initiatives taken by DCI to empower women and girls through its sponsorship programs, healthcare and vision care programs, and orphan support. As part of the celebration, a musical performance was presented by the talented children of the SunChild Homes.

Dr Hoque, Executive Director of DCI, commented that the organization, in its seventeen years of existence, has worked unceasingly to build a sustainable and transparent system of support that has lifted thousands of vulnerable women and their families out of crippling poverty, disability, and disease. 

Dr Hoque thanked the conference organisers, partners, speakers, volunteers, and participants for making this virtual conference such a resounding success.