Renowned women's rights activist speaks to The Zonta Club
Contributed by The Zonta Club of Columbia

Dr.V.Mohini Giri and Melodie Hunnicutt, president The Zonta Club of Columbia

The Zonta Club of Columbia, in collaboration with the Women's Leadership Institute of Columbia College, hosted a luncheon at the Palmetto Club honoring Dr. V. Mohini Giri of India May 5, 2008. Dr. Giri is a renowned women's rights activist in India and is a Nobel Peace Prize nominee. As founder of the War Widows Association and the Guild of Service in India, Giri helped thousands of widowed women who were living as social and economic outcasts. Her work included establishing cottage industries, providing job training, hostels for children, emergency shelters, and even inter-religious and inter- caste remarriages. This training allows women to stand independently and to use the power given them by their nation's constitution.

Dr. Giri's talk at the luncheon emphasized her interest in empowering women, not only in her country of India, but worldwide.

Zonta International is a global service organization of executives in business and the professions working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy.