An exclusive ‘ASK Guide’ Launched to Foster Inclusive Environment for Women in Bangalore Archdiocese

Bangalore, July 30, 2024: The Catholic Women's Collective (CWC), a unit of the Women’s Commission, Archdiocese of Bangalore launched the ASK Guide at Paalanaa Bhavana. The guide aims to strengthen the Parish Women Cells by providing them access to central services and resources to empower women in their parishes.

Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore remarked, "The ASK Guide is a testament to our dedication to providing the necessary resources and services to address the diverse needs of women in our parishes."

Priya Francis, Secretary of the Women's Commission and President of the Catholic Women's Collective, stated, "Our aim is to ensure that women in our parishes have access to central resources and services that support them at the point of their need.” 

The guide highlights seven focus areas: Spirituality, Child Empowerment and Safeguarding, Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH), Elimination of Domestic Violence, Political Empowerment, Health and Wellness, and Economic Empowerment. It also includes support services such as Program Management, Deanery/Parish Women Cell Elections, new Parish Women Cell formation (SPARKLE initiative) and contact numbers to collaborate with partners and NGOs associated with child and women empowerment.

All these services have been designed by subject matter experts and can be accessed by the Parish Women Cells that are functional in various parishes in the Archdiocese of Bangalore.

Archbishop Machado encourages Parish Women Cells and parish priests in Bangalore to fully utilize the ASK Guide to foster an inclusive environment for all women in their parishes. The ASK Guide is a significant step towards nurturing a supportive and inclusive community!

By Catholic Connect Reporter