Report on Seminar on ‘Women Leadership’: Challenges and Prospects
Organised by All India Catholic Union & CBCI Offfice for Women
Yusuf Sadan, New Delhi, February 16, 2013
Mini John, Regional Coordinator for Women, All India Catholic Union (AICU) and
Federation of Catholic Association of Archdiocese of Delhi (FCAAD) team
At the outset, being the Regional Coordinator for Women (Northern Region), initiated a Seminar on `Women Leadership: Challenges & Prospects’ on February 16, 2013. It was organized in collaboration with CBCI Office for Women at Yusuf Sadan, Sacred Heart Cathedral Complex, New Delhi and Hon’ble Justice Smt Leila Seth (first woman judge on the Delhi High Court and the first woman to become Chief Justice of a state High Court and member of Verma Committee), was the Chief Guest.
The gathering included Rev. Fathers, Sisters, parishioners from different parishes of Delhi Archdiocese, members from FCAAD, Women Commission and Women Council of Archdiocese of Delhi, Chetanalaya, and the CBCI.
A. Chinnappan, President, FCAAD welcomed the Chief Guest and others. The Seminar commenced with a prayer song by Rhea, Ramona and Kevin followed by Lighting of the Lamp by Justice Leila Seth, Rev. Fr. Susai Sebastian, Dr. John Dayal, Sr. Mary Scaria and Sr. Helen Saldhana flanked by Adv A. Pattiyani, A.Chinnappan, M.S.Stanislaus and Mini John.
Mini John gave an insight on the theme selected in consultation with Sr. Helen Saldhana and welcomed all the participants. The guests were felicitated with bouquet of flowers by the participants.
Rev. Fr. Susai Sebastian, Episcopal Vicar for Haryana & Director for Regional Social Forum inaugurated the Seminar stating that “Christians are taught to respect women through Mother Mary”. He also expressed that CBCI has highlighted the role of women and that this seminar will enlighten the women. He wished the Seminar all success.
Advocate Abraham Pattiyani, National Secretary, AICU conveyed how AICU is committed to achieve the enhanced role of laity as envisaged by Vatican II Council. He remarked that AICU is deeply involved in combining the Word of God with that of Constitution of India.
Sr. Helen Saldhana, Secretary CBCI office for women, briefed how CBCI Office for Women is involved in framing policies for gender equality.
Dr. John Dayal, Past President of AICU emphasized the need of the seminar in today’s context, introduced Justice Leila Seth to the audience appreciating her as a girl brought up in catholic atmosphere. He expressed concern over the death penalty being sought by the people and some of the clauses of Verma Commission Report.
Chief Guest, Justice Leila Seth appreciated and congratulated Mini John for her efforts in conducting this seminar for women. In her keynote address, she narrated her experience as to how practicing Law was so difficult in those days, for women and that leadership requires integrity, power to hear and open mind. She remarked that power of youth and power of the people resulted in forming Justice Verma Committee to review the present laws on rape cases. Being a member of the Committee, she categorically emphasized death penalty is not an answer to the problem and conveyed that Juvenile homes are not doing enough to change the mindset of a minor. She concluded her address by reading a passage from her Autobiography regarding the religion she follows.
Sr. Mary Scaria, Advocate, Supreme Court of India brought out that Mother Mary is a role model for women leadership. She remarked that her visit to Kandhamal revealed how gender violence took place and narrated how gender discrimination is taking place at home and wanted that equality should be practiced at home. She encouraged the women to claim their rights and space in the society, called upon the parents to teach their children on gender equality and values and that Small Christian Communities should teach gender equality. It is a journey of men and women together to change the society and desired AICU to organize this type of seminar at regional and national levels.
Since National President, Eugene Gonsalves was not present but sent a message: AICU is committed to the welfare, respect and recognition of women. AICU has identified and acknowledged the presence of women leaders and initiated appointment of Regional Coordinators for Women all over India. This will further accelerate formation of more strong women leaders through regular training and awareness programmes.
During the interactive session, Violet Scolt wanted to know how far juvenile homes are equipped to reform the children, to which Justice Leila Seth addressed that it is not working upto the expectations, as expected. Jenis emphasized the need for a change in mindset of the society towards women, to which Justice Seth responded that men need to help women to change and is the problem of humanity. Santiago suggested that inter faith interaction should be promoted to have the desired impact.
Quoting models in Old and New Testaments, Dr. John Dayal summed up that the church is changing and the AICU is concentrating on social issues.
With vote of thanks by Sr. Helen Saldhana, the seminar concluded with tea and snacks.