Patna, Aug. 12: Members of Bihar Council of Women gathered at Lady Stephen’s Hall today to celebrate and raise funds for women in need.

The organisation has been working for the uplift of women for the past 30 to 35 years. Today was no different. The council members put up several stalls at the venue to raise funds.

Clothes, jewellery, cookies, cakes, chocolates, soft toys and bags were put up for sale and the members said the proceeds would be used for the cause of underprivileged women and girls, inclu- ding providing them education, access to healthcare and training them to create handicraft items.

Vina Gupta, the secretary of Bihar Council of Women, said: “Since we work for the uplift of women, organising such programmes not only give us a break from our regular work but also help us raise funds for them.”

Vibha, another member of the council, who had put up a garments stall, said: “This is to attract the visitors here, so that they buy our items and the money we raise can be used for the cause of underprivileged women and girls. It feels good when we do our part for people in need.”

The theme for today’s programme, the members said, was a step towards clean and green environment.

Chanda Gupta, one of the members of the organisation, said: “The theme of the programme is to make people aware of the ill-effects of environment degradation and promote afforestation. To drive home the point, we have also organised an extempore round, where the participants will speak on environment issues. We are gifting each visitor here with a small decorative plant. It is our way to promote afforestation.”

A fancy dress compe- tition was also organised at the event .