A Campaign titled Pengal Vazhnurimai Iyakkam was Launched. The Concept included three Major Concern

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1 PRESS MEET May 2011 The executive committee members of DMI Tamil Nadu Women Federation and Staff had a preparatory meeting on 6 th May Followed by a press meet had been organized at Chennai Press club on 7 th may 2011 as per the directions of father founder. The prime purpose was to share the emerging environmental concerns and to demand the Government to address the women s issues. A Campaign titled Pengal Vazhnurimai Iyakkam was Launched. The Concept included three Major Concern 1. Right to Safe Environment as part of Right to Life 2. Right to Education of Women : It was emphasized to promote comprehensive learning of both English and Tamil to improve SHG members communication skills that could lead to better employability 3. A demand to stop exploitation of Women: and Violence of all forms against women.

2 PLASTIC POLLUTION PREVENTION RALLY There is undue degradation of environment due to use of non-decomposable plastics. In order to emphasis the disasters of environment using less than 60 microns plastic bags, cups and other packing materials PLASTIC POLLUTION PREVENTION RALLY was organized by DMI Tamilnadu Women Federation from January 2011 onwards. There were different methods used to disseminate ideas on this such as Signature campaign in each DMI District Rally, public meetings were held to stop the use of such plastics. It remained a fitting event held on when as many as 3,500 women of DMI Tamilnadu women federation came together as a forum near Rajarathinam stadium and marching towards the Secretariat. The enthusiastic members of the federation marched towards all through this campaign and reached Tamilnadu Government Secretariat, and submitted the memorandum to the Chief Minister. Each member, carried placards, posters, and the signature banner during the march. The programme commenced with the blessings of Founder.Fr.J.E.Arulraj. The rally was flagged off by Dr.Mr.M.B.Nirmal, Director of Exnora. The Superior General Sr.Rita Sr.Viji, Mr.Michael DMI Consultant Sr.Sasi Rani assistant General also felicitated the gathering. The state President Mrs.Malini in coordination with

3 State Coordinator in collaboration with District coordinators Sr.Vasanthi, Sr.Fatima, Sr.Mourin and with active support of state level women leaders the rally was conducted. 9.3 SIGNATURE CAMPAIGN AGAINST PLASTIC - Poonamallee In and through Poonamallee block there was an extensive signature campaign organized against the use and production of plastic bags less than 40 Microns as part of state wide campaign offering awareness to all. This was organized in the Main Bus stop, gaining the attention of thousands of travelers passing by. DMI MALARGAL TAMIL MAGAZINE After a long time expectation and longing, DMI Malarkal had its release on 16 th July 2011 when the state level women along with 350 SHG members from Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chennai participated and honored the occasion. The magazine was released by Fr.J.E.Arul Raj Founder and the first copy was received by Ms.Malini, the state President of DMI Women Federation. The programme culminated with a cultural programme by women. This Tamil Magazine is sent almost all SHG in Tamil Nadu with which we work. The Magazine gives importance to Environmental issues, health education, building up

4 federation leaderships depicting and highlighting events of women entrepreneurs and current affairs. External Evaluation 2011 A long awaited and much anticipated External Evaluation of Development Mission had been successfully completed from 20 th November to 10 th December The evaluation was suggested and supported by MISEREOR Germany Mr.Helge Roxin Germany and Ms.Esther Beulah, Chennai served as external Evaluators. The entire process for Evaluation was facilitated by the Project Management Team under the leadership of Sr.Teresa. Sr.Sasi Rani, Sr.M.Baby and Mr.Micheal are the other members of the team. Objective The prime objective of the evaluation was to assess the impacts of DMI development interventions in the lives of the marginalized people. General impressions:

5 Though the service is spread in all districts, all the women in every federation in every district identify the DMI sisters by their individual names. That shows the accompaniment DMI have given. The Coordination team in Chennai and the teams in other districts have bonded together. This has to be placed on record and appreciated. There is a strong hand-holding unlike other projects where people start groups in various places and leave them. The bond which is there and the systems and structures evolved are appreciable. It is because of this the evaluators observed an affirming commitment mutually transferred between the leaders and the women groups. Though it is a mixture of feelings, contentment is the general feeling people have. DMI model of taking self-help groups beyond microcredit should be shared with other organizations and NGOs also. The observation DMI need to develop clear concepts and the women federations should emerge into a socio-political force. DMI develop a capacity building plan both for sisters and for the women leaders. DMI consolidate and promote net-works of women entrepreneurs. DMI conceptualize as a learning organization, in terms of research and strategic planning. The project management team is thankful to Fr.Founder for his sustained inspiration, guidance and motherly care. He followed the evaluation process on a hourly basis and directed the DMI Project Management Team. We thank all the DMI sisters and MMIs who were with us through their prayers and good will. We appreciate all the District Co-ordinators and all the sisters in development work who

6 worked hard in preparing the people and responded well to all the demands of the evaluation. ANNUAL SPECIAL EVENTS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN S DAY The International Women s Day theme was Science and Technology in women s life and Voicing against Environmental Degradation. Accordingly, in all our DMI Districts international women s day was celebrated. The rural folk of DMI Districts have resolved to say NO to use carry bags and offer priority to higher education of girls. Awareness by rallies, special orations to offer thoughts, signature campaigns, skits were the various events. It was fascinating indeed to see simple SHG members and leaders dancing, acting, compeering. It offered them, self learning practices about environment and general living. Higher officials from Government department, Superior General, DMI Assistant General, Team Members of DMI Development Mission and Provincials have participated and encouraged the women.

7 VAZHVURIMAI IYAKKAM CAMPAIGN AT CHENNAI DISTRICT WITH HONORABLE MINISTER FOR INFORMATION Ultimately right to living and happiness has to be preserved for all women and it is our duty to care for the sufferings. Honorable minister for news and broadcasting, Government of Tamilnadu, Mr.Senthamizhan distributed financial assistance to 3 Students, medical support to a SHG member with Rs.4830/- and two sewing machines to SHG members donated by DMI District federation members. The entire proceedings were organized by Vazhvurimai Iyakkam campaign team of DMI on in Chennai. The programme was graced by Fr.Maria Joseph, Diocese of Dharmapuri, Sr.Baby State Coordinator, Mr.Michael DMI Consultant, Dr.Rosi Fernando HOD of MOP Vaishnavi College, Mrs.Fatima Musthira BA.,BL., WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY There had been continuous destruction of land, water, atmosphere and life in the ocean. What is our social responsibility? Despite three decades of flood-control programs that had already cost an estimated $10 billion, floods in 1980 alone claimed nearly 2,000 lives, killed tens of thousands of cattle, and affected 55 million people on 11.3 million hectares (28 million acres) of land. DMI women federation decided in the workshop to have a clean environment by avoiding plastics and promote ecology. Strategies were designed to promote green environment through Signature Campaign, Rally, Tree plantation, Public meeting in all the DMI districts. Significantly all the district coordinators and the DLF leaders organized various programmes to express their social responsibilities.

8 INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY International Human rights day 10 th December was commemorated in the target districts. The day was observed to create awareness on violations of human rights and also to raise public awareness on the violence of human rights. Seminars, Rallies were organized and human rights activists were invited to address on Human rights. COMMUNITY PONGAL We have been abundantly enjoying the nurturing care of livelihood and prosperity over the entire year It is time to remember all such happiness of harvest. We have celebrated Pongal with women groups and children. We have organized sports and distributed prizes. Pongal was celebrated in all the DMI Districts with profuse gratitude to GOD for the good harvest of all kinds of success stories in the lives of our people. It remained a very meaningful gesture. NATIONAL DAYS Independence Day and Republic day were celebrated in all our operational areas. On this special occasion, competitions were conducted for children. The winners were given prizes and sweets were distributed