Ladies Cultural Night 2018 hosted by Woman Care Trust in Papatoetoe achieved multiple goals in one evening. Held at the Vodafone Event Centre in Manukau, more than 2700 female members of the migrant Punjabi community attend the event with utmost zeal and enthusiasm.
First, the event was able to involve women of every age and talent at the cultural festival. Children from the age of six to senior women up and above 70 participated in one of the most anticipated events of the migrant Punjabi community.
Second, the event was an opportunity for women to showcase their talent at the show.
Another big feat for Woman Care Trust was the inauguration of the photographic exhibition of the oral history of the migrant Punjabi women in Auckland. Auckland Libraries created the exhibition in conjunction with the trust picking up stories of the members of the trust and exhibiting their growth within the community in pictures.
The event commenced with kirtans on the stage and folk songs with senior members of the community followed by performances by the school children, Zumba performance and the inauguration of the exhibition. This was followed by bhangra and gidda and other dance and music performances with different groups of women.
At around 9:30 p.m., the event floor was open for the women to dance freely and a DJ entertained the crowd until about 11:30 p.m. when the crowd slowly dispersed back home.
The third edition of Ladies Cultural Night was not merely an annual event but a celebration of the strength and spirit of the migrant Punjabi women in the country. One such testament to this fact was the photographic exhibition by Auckland Libraries that created the exhibition as one of their many projects showcasing focusing on different aspects of different communities.
“This exhibition is a work together with the trust and we are proud to showcase the work of these women in the community. We will place the exhibition permanently at the Woman Care Trust centre at 2 Sutton Crescent, Papatoetoe,” Smita Biswas, a representative from Auckland Libraries told The Indian Weekender.
Another commendable aspect of this event was the women in the community of different age groups who came under one roof and dance and enjoy the evening carefree.
“Since it was a women-only event, women danced and enjoyed the evening carefree and for women of different age groups and families having fun together,” Baljit Dheil from Woman Care Trust told The Indian Weekender.
About Woman Care Trust and its activities:
Woman Care Trust, a non-profit community organisation, has 600 members currently that conduct several events and programs for the women in the community. It hosts different classes for women of all age group especially homemakers and the elderly so that they are engaged in some activity, socialise and grow personally.
The trust in Papatoetoe hosts several activities five days a week such as English classes, Yoga, dance, swimming, exercise, involving is several other projects as well.
The English language class is one of the most popular engagements of the members who have been able to learn the language considerably well, and many have been able to clear their citizenship tests as well.
“I used to be depressed and alone at home as my other family members used to get busy in their school, business and other activities. It has been two years since I came across Woman Care Trust and I joined it readily. Now I have made many friends, have my own social group, occupy myself in learning new skills, and do work for the benefit of the community,” a proud member of the trust told The Indian Weekender.
“Joining the activities at the trust has brought a new life in me, and I feel so pumped-up and energetic today,” the member added.
The trust has gained immense popularity among the growing numbers of migrant Punjabi women, and many have joined the group to engage themselves in personal growth and giving back to the community.
Pictures by: Savvy B Creations
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