Updated: Exclusive: The 5th annual Red Saree Event was hosted in Jersey City where South Asian women participated with pride and dignity. It’s hosted annually by Bolo Behen (Speak Sister), South Asian Initiative of Hudson Speaks Against Sexual Violence for recognizing womanhood, empowerment & taste authentic South Asian food and raise awareness on social issues experienced by the South Asian Community.
Hudson S.P.E.A.K.S Against Sexual Violence offers free services under Bolo Behen (Speak Sister) for South Asian women in Hudson County who are experiencing domestic and sexual violence with mission to create a safe space with a full range of culturally sensitive and language-specific information, support services and advocacy.
Hudson Speaks’ Senior Program Coordinator Dr. Bishnu Maya Pariyar delivered welcome speech while Hudson Speaks’ Outreach Coordinator Natalie Akel delivered vote of thanks. The event was moderated by Anupama Sapkota and Barsha Sapkota.
The distinguished guest speakers were New Jersey State Assemblywoman Angela V. McKnight; The New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NJ CASA)’s Survivor Services Specialist Solange Ramkissoon; Representative of UN Women, UN Women Major Group and UN Environmental and Human Rights Groups and Friends of ADWAN Executive Member Sandy Hecker; Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Commander Javier Toro; Special Victim Unit Agent Ramandeep Kaur; International Nepali Literary Society (INLS) former President Gita Khatri; ADWAN Nepal President and South Asian Young Women Leader 2018 by Global Fund for Women Bindu Pariyar Thapa; Women for Cause (WFC) former President Renu Sharma; Social Entrepreneur Amit Shah and journalist Kishor Panthi.
Prominent singer from Nepal, Shiva Pariyar who was honored with ‘Hamlet Manjueta Award in Arts’ by Jersey City Council in the United States in 2020, enthralled the audience with his hit songs. Singers Nisha Sunar, President of Nepali American Artists Association and Bimal Dangi, Vice President of Nepali American Artists Association also presented their popular songs.
Nepali dance performances were presented by Kabina Maharjan, President of Women for Cause (WFC); Samratman Singh Dangol; Basanti Rai Senior Vice President of Nepali American Artists Association; Ramana Bhatta and Rasa Bhatta.
Typical Nepali and South Asian food were served during the event.