Bagdogra Diocese Strengthens Women’s Leadership Through Resource Team Training

Bagdogra, June 5, 2026: Efforts to promote gender equality and strengthen women’s participation in the life and mission of the Church received fresh momentum in the Diocese of Bagdogra as a Resource Team Training Programme on “Gender Equality and Equal Participation of Women” was conducted on June 4 at Holy Cross School, Hansqua.

The initiative, organised under Goal-2 of the CCBI Commission for Women’s Pastoral Plan 2033, focused on preparing women leaders for greater involvement in ministry, leadership and advocacy within both the Church and society. The programme also sought to reinforce diocesan efforts toward fostering equal participation of women.

The training built upon the achievements of Goal-1, “Capacity Building of Women Leaders,” which was implemented across the diocese in 2025 through parish and zonal-level formation programmes. The latest initiative aimed at strengthening the diocesan resource team while equipping a new group of women leaders to carry forward the Commission’s pastoral vision.

A total of 21 participants, including ten newly selected women representatives from different parishes and existing diocesan resource team members, attended the programme.

In the opening session, Sr. Teresa Dorjee, SCSC, Directress of Maria Mahila Sangh in the Diocese of Bagdogra, introduced participants to the vision, mission and pastoral priorities of the CCBI Commission for Women. She highlighted the Commission’s commitment to promoting the dignity, leadership and active participation of women in the Church.

Mrs. Rose Toppo, Regional Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Women in the West Bengal Region, led a session on gender equality and women’s participation. She underscored the importance of empowering women and ensuring their meaningful involvement in decision-making processes at all levels.

The programme also addressed issues affecting women and children. Mrs. Nitu Minj of the Archdiocese of Kolkata spoke on various forms of violence experienced by women, highlighting preventive measures, awareness-building initiatives and support systems available for victims.

Child safeguarding formed another key component of the training. Mrs. Regina Joseph, also from the Archdiocese of Kolkata, provided an overview of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and highlighted the responsibility of individuals and institutions in creating safe environments for children.

Through interactive discussions and the sharing of experiences, participants gained greater confidence and preparedness for their pastoral responsibilities while gaining valuable insights into women’s leadership, gender equality, prevention of violence against women and child protection.

Participants expressed their commitment to reaching out to women in all the parishes of the Diocese of Bagdogra and implementing the initiatives envisioned under Goal-2 of the Pastoral Plan 2033.

By Catholic Connect Reporter