Women
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN
Secretary: Sr Nancy Lobo FMM Chincholi
Joint Secretary: Sr Gracy SMMI Talmadgi
Core Group: Mrs. Leena Pereira Gulbarga, Mrs Jeeja Sebastian Gulbarga, Sr Rajani Varghese SRA Santhpur, Mrs Rita Prakash Udbal Itga, Sr Janet UFS Itga, Sr Josphine SAB Shahabad, Sr Shanthi SJT Vijayapura, Mrs Nirmala Bidar, Mrs Bhaskar Vijayapura, Sr Louiza Fernandes SCCG Bhalki.
INTRODUCTION
From the very beginning of creation, the role of women in human society is unique and irreplaceable. The chosen instrument Blessed Virgin Mary a mother figure, full of compassion to the whole human race, her qualities, courage and determination to do the will of God is incomparable, thus the role of women in the church, society and the world at large is indispensable contribution that a woman offers selflessly. However, the society being a male dominated society has always denied due respect and position to women in the families, in the church and also in the society at large.
Pope Francis in his sermon on Jan 21st 2020 at 5:08pm, while celebrating the New year day mass he mentioned, the person failing empower women, narrows the church’s vision and makes it less equipped to be a force for good in the world. It’s a great challenge for pastors and theologians to fully recognize the role and position of women in the church and the society.
VISION: United and empowered women, living with dignity in Society.
MISSION: Promotion of Solidarity, Justice and Equal Status in the Society.
GOAL: Inclusive, active and sustainable Women Cells in the Parishes.
Objectives 1: At least one active women cell in at least 50% of the parishes/Mission centres in the Diocese by December 2024
Indicators
- At least 75% of the members regularly participate in the Women Cell meeting.
- 50% of women take part in the charitable activities and organize every year at least one program for the Parishioners.
Activities suggested: Regular and active participation in the meetings, Sunday liturgy, visit to the families, Mission Sunday activity, girl child day, visiting the sick, visit to the hospital, Christmas celebration, Parish feasts, Family prayer, education of children, Guidance to Teen age girls.
Objectives 2: Al the members of the women cell will have the required knowledge on right to property title, evil consequences of early /child marriage, legal knowledge on atrocities on women, gender policy of the church and all other women and girl child related issues.
Indicators
- Property and assets are registered jointly in the name of husband and wife.
- Ensure equal rights of the girl child
- Happy and sustainable families.
- Children are aware of the certain decisions taken in the family
Objective 3: By 2024 all women cell members will have sufficient knowledge on Gender Policy of the Catholic Church of India on women and will attempt to implement the same.
Indicators:
- Women are aware of the policy
- Animators are trained on gender policy.
Objectives 4: Men and Women will know their rights as enshrined in the Constitution and are committed to uphold the rightful rights of women by December 2024.
Indicators
- Men and women are aware and articulate basic rights.
- At least 70% of men and women respect each other.
- Empowered women take responsible decisions.
Objectives 5: Networking with at least two likeminded Organizations by December 2024.
Indicators
- Women cell works in collaboration with Diocesan social service centers and celebrate women’s day.
- Women are aware of many other organizations existing in the vicinity.
- Active participation of women cell members in Streehakthi, SHGS and NGOS.
Annual Report of Women Commission GULBARGA DIOCESE March 2018 to April 2019
| Activity | Methodology | Who/When/Where/How many | Out come | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.Monthly meetings | -Lectio Divine -Holy hour -Talk on women role. -Gender policy -Leadership. | Pp and person in charge Every month in all 21 groups in all over the parishes/Mission Centers | Women are interested to take part in prayer. Regularly attend the meetings though by fours some time. | Few families are started family prayers, some families read the word of god, Women take initiatives In common work of the church . |
| 2.Formation of new group | Talk on women real Gender Sensitivity, the importance of family prayer so .on . | p.p. person in charge , on27/7/18 , in Nimbur 11 members 27/7/18,in Kandugole 13 members . On 20/8/18 in Chalkapur On 11/4/2018,Mother Theresa w.c 30members | Women are happy to come for prayer , monthly meetings , unity and solidarity is build among the groups. | There is thirst for spiritual needs , Few families started prayers in their families, |
| 3. Girl child day celebration | Each girl child was given importance recognizing their worth , welcoming them Offering flowers by them to mother Mary. And verities of food prepare by many families and Served to all in common .girl children given more attention, sport conducted, Prizes were distributed. | P.P Person in charge Team members, and parents, on 8/9/ 18. In most of the parishes/Mission Centers | Many girls who came to the church were very happy. They feel the importance of the prayer | Every girl child is loved by their Parents, respect their dignity, send them for Study even higher studies. Child marriages are stopped. |
| 4.Retreet and prayer at Kowdial | Holy mass Vigil prayer, perching the word of God | 20 Women from Gulbarga 30 women from Udbal attended 2 days night vigil prayer at Kowdial. On 1st & 2nd September 2018. 6 women from Gulbarga, 3 women from Udbal, 5 women from Talmadgi took part in chain Rosary on 18th & 19th Oct 2018. | They feel importance of prayer in their life | They volunteer to go to Koudial and spend time in prayer. They have the desire to go to potta for 1 week To spend time in prayer. |
| 5. Women’s day Celebration | Talk on Gender sensitization, input session on the theme “Better balance better world” | All women in the mission centers and parishes joined with the other women to celebrate the day. Various dates and various places in the diocese of Gulbarga. Those in charges were Orbit, Sava Sangam staff, parish priests and animators of women commission. | . They are aware of the dignity and respect that is due of every person both women and men. | Everyone is equally responsible to form just and peaceful society. |
Action Plan for women’s commission, Gulberga, 2015 – 2016.
| Activity | How | Who | Resources | Indicator | Result | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Objective – 1 | ||||||
| Grading | All the exisiting Women cells in the parishes/Missions. | Visiting and collecting the report of the activities done | Secretory & team members, PP, sister incharge | T.A, Stationary | Personal Visits | Identified trainned personals. (M.G) |
| Awareness on Gender Policy of the Church | To all the sellected members of Gulberga & Bidar Dinary | Talk, Input sessions & Discussions | Secratory, co-ordinator of the deanory & PP | Food,T.A for the resource person & Stationary | Month of Nov,15 Collaboration with laity comm. | members gain the knowledge of gender equality |
| Objective – 2 | ||||||
| Training on the concept of Women’s cell | Priests, Concerned sisters,office bearrers of W.C | Resource personal Talk, Input sessions & Discussions | from the region or one who the knowledge | Food, T. A,& Hall | Dec-Jan, 2015-16 For zonal level prog. | members gain the knowledge of Women’s comm. |
| Visits to model cells | Group members. | Few women from the group could be taken | Secretory & team members | T. A & Hall | Mar-16 Model W.C is identified | Women learn & by seeing & adopt in their groups. |
| Objective – 3 | ||||||
| Awareness on capacity building | All the leaders of W.C and incharge persons | Talk, Input sessions & Discussions | Secretory, P.P & team members | Food & T. A | Feb,2016 – Zonal level training | Model W.C are formed to build just society. |
| Objective – 4 | ||||||
| Leadership training | sellected members | Talk, Input sessions & group Discussions | Secretory, P.P Resource person | Refreshment Prizes & T.A | W.C members are trained leaders | Faith filled vibrant leaders, model W.C in the diocese |