List of all Speakers

Back to Progamme

Henna Mathura - Dewkinandan

For more than 40 years Mrs, Mathura is active in education including 20 years in the MBO which is a middle-level applied education and is orientated towards vocational training. Besides education she is also socially active for over 30 years.

Her social work mainly centers on vulnerable social groups, families, elderly and women including non-western women. For the last 17 years she is the president of the  women's organization "Sarita" which aims to mobilize participation, enhance self-development and the advancement of women in the multicultural society in general and in particular the Hague society.

Her volunteer work has many faces which includes activities such as visiting homes; familiarize people with the work of different governmental and non-governmental agencies, organize courses to empower women for economic independence, domestic as well as honor related violence in Hindustani community and hosts of other social activities like organizing seminars, educational excursions, handholding week for young mothers with young children (Sri Lanka & Calcutta), reflection weekends with senior citizens,  working with self-help organizations and welfare.

Mrs.  Mathura regularly collaborates with professional, welfare and self-help organizations.  She works with Christian and Protestant churches and organizations of other religions and philosophies; participate in projects of City of The Hague. She participates as a speaker in welfare, education and Hindu religion related seminars and workshops.

For her multi-faceted activities, intercultural communication skills and services to the community she has been recognized by several organizations and honoured with awards and decorations.

• The Hague special pin for special services
• Hilda van Suylenberg award for counseling older women
• Knighthood in the Order of Orange Nassau
• Humanist Federation award for bridging different cultures
• Received the 2011 Shakti Awards as a role model for women