The Saroni Roy Foundation (SRf) is set to host the Mahatma Peace Symposium 2024, a landmark event that will bring together peacebuilders, cultural leaders, and advocates from across Australia and India. Held at the Parliament of New South Wales, this symposium marks the 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and will serve as a platform for vital discussions on global peace, gender equity, and the launch of the ground-breaking Super Naari – A Period Equity Initiative.

This year’s symposium will focus on key themes such as the Women, Peace & Security (WPS) Global Agenda, exploring Gandhi’s belief in the power of women to lead non-violent and inclusive societies. The symposium will also raise awareness about Super Naari, an initiative designed to tackle the global crisis of period poverty and ensure equitable access to menstrual health education and products.

A Global Call for Peace and Equity

The Mahatma Peace Symposium has grown into a key annual event since its inception in 2021, attracting participants from around the world. This year’s event promises to be particularly impactful, as it calls attention to pressing issues such as period poverty, gender equity, and peacebuilding. According to SRf Founder and Director Saroni Roy, “Inclusive and peaceful societies lead to sustainable and prosperous economies. This symposium is a global call-to-action for all of us to address these critical issues and work towards a fairer and more peaceful future.”

The evening will feature a range of distinguished speakers and guests, including:

• The Hon. Lisa Singh, former Australian senator and CEO of the Australia India Institute, in conversation with The Hon. Ela Gandhi, a renowned peace activist and granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi.
• Juliana Nkrumah AM, a leading advocate for gender equality and women’s safety.
• Dr Anna Cody, Sex Discrimination Commissioner for the Australian Human Rights Commission.
• Patricia Garcia AO, a prominent advocate for women’s rights and global peace.

These voices will lead discussions on the WPS agenda, the role of women in fostering global peace, and how we can address the economic and social impact of period poverty on communities worldwide.

Launch of the Super Naari Campaign

The symposium will also witness the official launch of the Super Naari – A Period Equity Initiative, a campaign addressing the global issue of period poverty. Period poverty, the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products and education, affects millions of women and girls globally, particularly in conflict-affected regions. This initiative aims to raise awareness, provide menstrual health products, and work towards destigmatising menstruation, ensuring dignity and opportunity for all menstruating individuals.

The Super Naari initiative aligns with Gandhi’s philosophy of Satyagraha—peaceful resistance and social justice—and calls for the empowerment of women to lead peaceful and prosperous communities. “Addressing period poverty is essential for gender equity, and this initiative aims to create equitable access to basic human rights, ensuring no one is left behind,” said Saroni Roy.

A Celebration of Peace, Culture, and Diversity

The event will not only feature insightful panel discussions but will also include cultural performances celebrating Australia-India synergies through art and music. Renowned artist Saroni Roy, along with other performers, will honour Gandhi’s values of ahimsa (non-violence) through creative expression, ensuring that the themes of peace and harmony resonate throughout the evening.

In addition, the symposium will offer networking opportunities for peacebuilders, creatives, and leaders in government, media, and academia. The aim is to foster collaborations and partnerships that advance the shared goal of building peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable societies.

Why It Matters

The Mahatma Peace Symposium serves as a timely reminder of Gandhi’s enduring vision for a peaceful world, one in which gender equality, social justice, and economic equity are at the forefront of development. With the launch of Super Naari, the Saroni Roy Foundation is not only addressing a critical global health issue but also empowering women to be leaders in the fight for peace and equity.

As the world continues to grapple with conflict, poverty, and inequality, this symposium presents an opportunity to reflect on how Gandhi’s teachings can be applied to modern challenges. Mahatma Gandhi’s advocacy for non-violence and the inclusion of women in peace movements is more relevant today than ever. The Super Naari initiative is a powerful step towards addressing the challenges women face globally.

Event Details:

• Date: 24th September 2024
• Time: 5:45pm – 9:00pm
• Venue: Jubilee Room, Parliament of NSW
• Dress Code: Black-tie or multicultural attire

With its blend of cultural performances, thought-provoking discussions, and the launch of an important equity campaign, the Mahatma Peace Symposium 2024 promises to be an evening of inspiration, reflection, and action. As the world gathers to celebrate Gandhi’s legacy, the event serves as a crucial reminder that peace and equity are not just ideals but achievable goals, if we work together.

Tickets for this event are available via Eventbrite!

To support the cause, donate at https://www.saroniroy.com/supportourcause