Purnea Women Trained on Gender Justice, Child Protection Under CCBI Pastoral Plan

Purnea, Sep 2, 2026: Around 70 women from Golabari Parish in the Diocese of Purnea participated in a formation and awareness programme on gender justice, prevention of violence and child protection as part of the implementation of Goal 2 of the CCBI Pastoral Plan 2033.

Organised by the Women’s Commission of the Diocese of Purnea, the programme sought to strengthen women’s awareness of their rights, dignity and responsibilities while promoting their active participation in the life and mission of the Church.

The Holy Eucharist was presided over by Vicar General Fr. George James, with Golabari Parish Priest Fr. Robert Tigga and Fr. William Minj concelebrating.

The formation sessions that followed focused on gender sensitisation, violence against women, the Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (POSH) Act, 2013, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.

Mrs. Meena Hansda and Mrs. Magdalena Hansda, who had received training from the CCBI Women’s Commission, served as resource persons. Through interactive sessions, they addressed issues concerning women’s dignity and safety, child protection and mechanisms available to respond to violence and abuse.

The participants actively engaged in discussions, shared experiences and raised questions on practical ways to prevent violence and promote safe and respectful environments for women and children.

Mrs. Bella Das, Regional Secretary of the Women’s Commission, Bihar, and a gender specialist, highlighted the contribution of women to the Church, family and peace-building.

She stressed that women should not be regarded merely as beneficiaries of Church programmes but as active participants and contributors to the Church’s life, mission and pastoral ministry.

Das encouraged the participants to recognise their dignity, develop self-confidence, support one another and become agents of peace and positive change in their families, communities and society.

The sessions were conducted in the Santhali language, enabling participants to communicate freely, share experiences and engage more meaningfully with the issues discussed.

The programme was seen as a step towards advancing women’s empowerment, strengthening their participation in the Church and promoting greater awareness of gender justice and child protection in accordance with Goal 2 of the CCBI Pastoral Plan 2033.

By Catholic Connect Reporter