now i see the development in myseif

Wednesday, 02 December 2009

I am Victoria Mary. I am from Melatur, a village in the district of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. I am the National team member and part-timer of YCW India. I am the only women member in the national team. Tamil Kavi and I from India participated in the IYCW Asia Pacific regional Action Meeting from 10th to 15th Oct 2009 held at YMVA Centre, Chiang Mai, Thailand. I am happy to share with you my experiences and what I learned from this program.           i was my first experience to participate at an International meeting. I do not travel much even in the bus in India. However, it was my first experience to travel in a plane and the travel was exciting. I believe that it was very big opportunity that YCW India has given to me to participate in this program.  During this program, I was a member of the planning committee that developed the 2010 plan.       It was also an opportunity for me to share my views and opinion. From the evaluation of the Decent Living Income (DLI) Survey, I learnt that the situations of the young workers are same in every country in this region. I learnt the actions of the other national movement. I could realise that the discrimination of women is not only the issue in India but also an issue in all countries.  I came to know the importance of ILO and the international conventions.       ILO was formed in 1919 as a branch of UN. It was formed with the objective to resolve the issues related to worker rights and develop a peaceful world.   I enjoyed the food and the accommodation provided to us. The only challenge for me was the language. Fr. Martin did a good work in doing the translation to us. I could get many friends from other countries. It was the first time that I danced with others. That was really exciting. I also came to know the different languages, food and dress. I found it easy and happy to relate with other delegates. As a woman, I was really happy to participate in the program.  Before going to Thailand, many people from my village asked me why I was going there. I explained that I was going for the YCW meeting. After returning back from the program,             I feel that I am listened and respected in my village. Now the people share the issues of the village with me. When I see this, I could realise the development and growth in me. I believe that it is because I joined YCW and the training and opportunities I got from YCW, I see these developments in myself. Therefore, I thank YCW and its leaders for giving me a chance to develop my self. I thank Fr. Martin, Fr. Augustine, the present and previous national team members and the district movements.     Victoria Mary    National Team member    YCW India