Women Power on Display in Celebration of International Women’s Day

Mar 3, 2017 - 8:22 pm EST Bidisha Roy Featured, Indian Americans, United States 0

SOFC President Maria Isabel Nieto and India's Consul General Riva Ganguly Das join the honorees for a photography session

Malini Shah among 18 women honored by SOFC for outstanding contribution to the society

The Society of Foreign Consuls (SOFC), New York, hosted an event to celebrate the International Women’s Day on March 02, 2017 at the Bohemian National Hall, New York City. The event was an occasion to honor the academic, economic and social achievements of women around the world.

The program witnessed participation by all the Lady Consuls General in New York as well as prominent women from various countries who have made major contributions to their communities. Besides, it had cultural performances and a reception hosted by Mr. Martin Dvorak, the Consul General of Czech Republic and Deputy President of the Society of Foreign Consuls.

In recognition of International Women’s Day, 18 women from all over the world were honored for their outstanding professional achievements and contribution to community empowerment in New York and America with their hard work and dedication.

Initiated in 2011 by Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan Raushan Yesbulatova, the reception in celebration of Women’s Day was so successful that it was established as an annual celebration. Since then every year the Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan graciously carries the flag of organizers.

Malini Shah receiving the citation from SOFC President and Consul General of Columbia Maria Isabel Nieto (left) and India's Consul General Riva Ganguly Das — Malini Shah receiving the citation from SOFC President and Consul General of Columbia Maria Isabel Nieto (left) and India‘s Consul General Riva Ganguly Das

Eighteen Foreign Consulates in New York came together this year to honor 18 outstanding women achievers from their respective countries. Participating countries included Algeria, Bangladesh, Barbados, Bulgaria, Columbia, Georgia, Haiti, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Philippines, Russia, Slovakia, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. All participating countries contributed to the reception with their national specialties.

The 18 honorees were – Malini Shah (India) Rahmouna Rouni (Algeria), Nayeema Khan (Bangladesh), Janet C Malone (Barbados), Boriana Pavlova (Bulgaria), Betty Garces (Columbia), Eteri Chkadua (Georgia), Rodneyse Bichotte (Haiti), Zsuzsa Marka (Hungary), Amaliya Suryani (Indonesia), Yvonne J Graham (Jamaica), Gaukhar Noortas (Kazakhstan), Albana Krasniqi (Kosovo), Analisa Leonor Blares (Philippines), Tatiana Deptola (Russia), Rasha Al-Bawardy (Saudi Arabia), Luba Gregus Mason (Slovakia), and Tulay Taskent (Turkey).

Interestingly, among the 18 Consuls General, 13 were women – including India’s Consul General Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das. Well known Indian American community leader and philanthropist Malini Shah was honored with 17 others for her contribution to the society. Air India Regional Manager, USA, Ms Vandana Sharma graced the occasion along with other prominent Indians.

Air India Regional Manager, USA, Ms Vandana Sharma who was a guest at the event, is seen here with India's Consul General Riva Ganguly Das (Center) and Malini Shah who was honored — Air India Regional Manager, USA, Ms Vandana Sharma who was a guest at the event, is seen here with India’s Consul General Riva Ganguly Das (Center) and Malini Shah who was honored

Upon receiving the citation from SOFC President and Consul General of Columbia Maria Isabel Nieto and Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das, Malini said, “I am deeply honored to get this recognition. This is how New York celebrates its diversity and culture. I love to work for humanity and will continue to do so.”

On this occasion SOFC received a proclamation from NY Governor Andrew Cuomo declaring March 2017 as ‘Women’s History Month.’