SRA Sisters Celebrate Girl Child Day with Call for Dignity and Empowerment

Goa, September 14, 2026: The SRA Sisters marked Girl Child Day on September 13 with a celebration centred on the dignity, potential and empowerment of girls. The programme, held at Vivian Niwas, Porta Vaddo, Siolim, North Goa, brought together 25 girls for an afternoon of prayer, reflection, games and fellowship.

A prayer service was led by Sr. Prabha Sebastian and the SRA Sisters, followed by a welcome address by Sr. Shirley Fernandes.

The celebration also included a special birthday moment for the girls whose birthdays fell in September. They were invited to cut a birthday cake, adding a festive dimension to the gathering.

Merlyn Miranda, a teacher at Union High School, Assagão, served as the resource person. She spoke to the girls about their inherent dignity, potential and God-given worth, encouraging them to recognise themselves as persons with dreams, talents and a unique purpose.

“A girl is not a burden or a responsibility to be limited. She is a gift, a blessing, and a person with dreams, talents, dignity and a unique purpose,” Miranda said.

Drawing on the Christian understanding of human dignity, she reminded the participants that every child is created in the image and likeness of God and therefore deserves love, respect, protection, education and equal opportunities.

Miranda highlighted education as a key factor in empowering girls and strengthening society. “Educate a girl, and you educate a generation,” she said, noting that educated girls can make a positive contribution to their families and communities.

She also stressed the need for safe and supportive environments where girls can express themselves freely, make responsible choices, develop their talents and pursue their aspirations without being constrained by gender stereotypes.

Encouraging the participants to believe in themselves, Miranda said, “Your voice matters. Your dreams matter. You are valuable. You have gifts to share with the world.”

She also called on parents, teachers and society to create conditions that enable girls to grow with confidence and pursue their dreams. She urged them to provide girls with “strong roots in good values and beautiful wings to fly towards their dreams.”

Tokens of appreciation were distributed by the SRA Sisters and members of the lay apostolate.

The celebration served as a reminder that every girl deserves to be loved, respected, educated and protected, with the freedom and opportunities needed to realise her God-given potential.

By Br. Malvino Alfonso OCD