Dubai: Over 100 blue-collar female workers were treated to a day of fun and frolic, games and free health check-ups at the Mushrif Park in Dubai on Friday in a programme entitled ‘Diva’ organised by Aster DM Health Care group’s CSR arm, Aster Volunteers, in conjunction with a registered charity, Smart Life.
The women working as cleaners, bus conductors and office support staff who were brought together belonged to Nepal, India, Sri Lanka and some African countries and were thrilled by this treat.
“I am so happy to be here,” said Grace Nikita from Uganda. “I haven’t been able to go out as I am trying to save money and I am so happy to meet so many of my friends, dance, sing and enjoy the food and weather.”
Sajitha Bahuleyan from Kerala agreed with Nikita.
“I do go out occasionally, once a month, with a few friends, but this morning it is so much fun to see so many of us. The weather is good, I am enjoying the food and the games and am happy I will get a free blood test and dental check-up. It will save me a trip to the clinic. I will send photographs to my two little daughters living in Pune, India with my sisters.”
Alisha Moopen, chief executive officer of Aster DM Health Care Group, who inaugurated the event, told Gulf News: “This programme is all about love. These women are amazing souls who live away from family, live a tough life and support large families back home. We salute their spirit and want them to love themselves first. They hardly get an opportunity to pay attention to their needs. So today we will give them a free health check that will include dental and gynaecological checks.”
Moopen added that most of the women had insurance cover but it was just that they never took the time off to go in for detailed health check-ups unless ill. “We will not only screen them but also give them free follow-ups at our clinics in cases where it is required,” she said.
The event which began at 9am included plenty of games and spot prizes, yoga and Zumba classes, glass painting classes and raffles for free air tickets sponsored by Emirates.
“The airline has sponsored up to three tickets which will be given away as prizes,” said one of the volunteers. Volunteers from Kasdir, a women entrepreneurs’ group, organised games for the women and gave away goody bags too.
A Smart Life volunteer remarked: “The spirit these women display is so much fun although each one of them has a mountain of challenges to handle. It takes so little to make them smile and that is really very touching.”
