Did You Know? The Church Has Been Forming Women Leaders Across India for Nearly Two Decades

July 27, 2026: Every parish has women who teach children, organise prayer groups, visit families, support charitable works and keep communities together. But their leadership doesn't happen by chance.

Behind these women is a quiet but determined effort by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) to help them grow in faith, confidence and leadership. Through its Commission for Women, the Church has been creating opportunities for women to learn, lead and serve, while promoting their dignity in both the Church and society.

Preparing Women to Lead, Not Just Participate

The Church believes women have an important role to play in its mission—not only as participants, but also as leaders who can inspire, accompany and strengthen others.

It begins by helping women recognise the gifts they already have and giving them the formation and training to use those gifts in service of others. Through leadership formation, pastoral training and capacity-building programmes, they are equipped to become resource persons who can guide, animate and strengthen their own parishes, deaneries and dioceses.

This isn't about titles or positions. It's about enabling women to serve with confidence, support one another in faith and become a source of hope within their communities. Today, this work is also a key part of implementing the CCBI's Pastoral Plan Mission 2033 by continuing to form women leaders across India.

From One Training Room to Hundreds of Parishes

The Commission's work doesn't stop at the national level.

Through the Church's 14 ecclesial regions, dioceses and parishes, its mission reaches women across the country. Throughout the year, the Commission brings women together through leadership programmes, national conferences—**seven of which have already been held, with the eighth scheduled for this year**—annual training, exposure visits, pilgrimages, retreats, charity drives and Women's Justice Rallies.

Its exposure programmes allow women to experience the rich cultural diversity of the Church in India, learn from one another and build lasting bonds across regions.

At the grassroots, women themselves lead the mission. Parish and deanery women executive teams organise and implement programmes for the well-being of women, ensuring that local initiatives are planned, led and sustained by women who understand the needs of their own communities.

The Commission also uses occasions such as International Women's Day and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women to promote the dignity of women and encourage greater awareness within the Church and society.

The Church at Work—Often Unseen

Much of the Commission's work happens quietly, away from the spotlight. Yet every leadership programme, every training session and every gathering is another step towards helping women realise their potential and embrace their role in the life and mission of the Church.

Its impact is already visible in communities across India. The Commission has helped 21 widows in Manipur move towards economic stability, while in the Diocese of Bhagalpur, every parish now has five trained women leaders serving as agents of positive change in their families, parishes and society.

Led by Bishop Kishor Kumar Kujur, together with two member bishops and National Executive Secretary Sr. Lidwin Fernandes, the Commission continues to nurture women in faith, leadership and service, helping them discover their gifts and use them to strengthen the Church and society.

So, the next time you wonder what the Church is doing for women in India, remember that the answer isn't found only in public celebrations or special events. It is also found in the quiet work of forming leaders, nurturing faith and creating opportunities for women to serve in their parishes and communities.

By Catholic Connect Reporter