The US consulate, in association with Kutchina Foundation, has decided to honour two activists on the occasion of Women's Day in recognition of their role in transforming the lives of sex workers and underprivileged children, a statement by the American Center said.
The US government is observing 'Women's History Month' in March to celebrate women achievers and Tumpa Adikary and Saswati Arora have been chosen for the 'Krittika' award as part of this initiative, it said.
Adhikary, a woman in her early 30s, runs a shelter for the "rescued and reformed" sex workers in the Kalighat area of the city.
"We counsel reformed sex workers and motivate them to choose an alternate livelihood, depending on their skills. The fellowship that we will be receiving from this initiative will be used to upgrade facilities at the shelter," she said at a programme at the American Center yesterday.
Arora, on the other hand, raises funds to provide necessary healthcare and education to the children of domestic workers, the statement said.
"My NGO 'Basha' imparts education to around 60 children of domestic workers. These children are as talented and promising as those hailing from economically privileged families," she said.
Bappaditya Mukherjee, a member of Kutchina Foundation, said the award was aimed at empowering young women and social entrepreneurs.
"These women who have made their marks after fighting extreme hardships and conservative mindsets are the true role models of our society," he added.
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