Rowena and Daisy always shine! We love them and are so grateful for everything they do for Project Help India and the world!
When women are given opportunity and encouragement to recognise their value and dignity, the future becomes brighter for everyone.
Today is a special day. As this blog is being read, 300–400 women from rural and marginalised communities are gathering in a remote part of northern India in Uttarakhand for the SHINE Women’s Empowerment Conference. Many of these women have travelled from small villages and difficult circumstances to be part of a day designed to encourage, uplift, and empower.
Today also marks International Women’s Day, a moment recognised around the world to honour the strength, resilience, and achievements of women everywhere.
Meet Daisy Samuel
Daisy at SHINE 2019
At the heart of SHINE is Daisy Samuel, a founding leader of ‘Project Help India’ and today’s key speaker and emcee. Daisy’s own story reflects the spirit of the conference.
Raised in a small hill village in Uttarakhand, Daisy grew up facing poverty, discrimination, and hardship. As a young girl she walked long distances to collect water before school, often studying while hungry and helping her mother work in the fields. Despite these challenges, she remained determined to pursue education and eventually completed her Master’s degree in Hindi and Social Work.
Today Daisy dedicates her life to uplifting women and children across India, using her own journey to inspire others to believe that change is possible.
A very special guest at today’s conference is Rowena Thomas from Sydney, Australia, Daisy’s close friend of fifteen years. Over the years, Daisy and Rowena have worked together to develop and grow the SHINE Conference, which has now been running for many years and continues to impact hundreds of women annually.
Today we honour Daisy, Rowena, our guest speakers, and the inspiring women of the Project Help India team, whose dedication makes this gathering possible. Most importantly, we honour the courageous women attending SHINE today — women who show remarkable strength and resilience despite the poverty and challenges they face each day.
On this International Women’s Day, Project Help India celebrates women everywhere. May strength, dignity, and opportunity continue to grow for women in every community, and may the future be filled with hope and success.
The impact of SHINE does not end today. With continued support from friends, partners, and supporters around the world, more women will have the opportunity to attend future conferences and experience the encouragement, dignity, and community that SHINE provides.