The National Women’s Conference of the Catholic Church in India: Empowering Women for Leadership
The vibrant city of Jharsuguda recently played host to the sixth session of the National Women’s Conference of the Catholic Church in India. The event, held at the Regional Pastoral Centre, Utkal Jyoti, brought together 453 participants from 132 dioceses across the country.
Themed “Empowering Women for Leadership in a Synodal Church,” the conference aimed to strengthen and elevate the roles of women within the Church. The gathering was inaugurated by Archbishop John Barwa of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, with Bishop Kishor Kumar Kujur of Rourkela presiding over the proceedings.
During the conference, discussions and workshops delved into strategies to enhance women’s participation in leadership and decision-making within the Church. The sessions shed light on the importance of integrating women into the synodal processes of the Church to foster a more inclusive and participatory Church structure.
Furthermore, there were conversations about the implementation of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) Pastoral Plan and Gender Policy at both regional and diocesan levels. The focus was on fully integrating these frameworks into the fabric of Church life.
Notable participants, such as Ms. Catherine Saysai from the Manipur Catholic Women Organisation and Dr. Julie Rose, a medical officer with the Indian Air Force, shared how the conference served as a platform for solidarity and encouragement among women leaders. Ms. Saysai emphasized the vital support network that the gathering provided, while Dr. Rose drew inspiration from the dedication of women leaders, especially those from rural areas, and their profound impact on community and Church leadership.
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