Women of Muzaffarpur Diocese Receive Formation on Gender Justice and Child Protection

Muzaffarpur, September 23, 2026: Mothers travelled from distant parishes with young babies on September 19, joining other women in a formation programme focused on dignity, equality, protection and the need to respond to violence and abuse.

Women’s Commission members from five parishes—Francis of Assisi Church, Kanhauli, Bharpa, Latauna and Saharsa—participated in the formation and awareness programme on gender justice, prevention of violence against women and child protection, organised by the Women’s Commission of the diocese of Muzaffarpur as part of the implementation of Goal 2 of the CCBI Pastoral Plan.

The programme sought to strengthen women’s awareness of their rights, dignity and responsibilities while encouraging their active participation in the life and mission of the Church.

Diocesan Secretary Mrs Catherine Habli welcomed the Chairman of the Regional Bishops’ Council and Bishop Cajetan Francis Osta of Muzaffarpur, along with Mrs Bella Das, Regional Secretary, Women’s Commission, Bihar. Following a welcome song by parish members, the programme began with prayer and a message from Bishop Osta.

Bishop Cajetan Francis Osta of Muzaffarpur urged the faithful to respect the dignity of every woman and child, stand against violence and discrimination, and build communities rooted in equality, safety, compassion and justice.

The formation sessions covered 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 Bella Das, the chief resource person, conducted the sessions through interactive discussions, group work and practical activities focusing on women’s safety, gender-based violence, child protection and mechanisms to respond to violence and abuse.

Mrs Das said she was deeply moved to see mothers travelling from distant parishes with their six-month-old and one-year-old babies, eager to listen, learn and understand the issues being discussed.

The programme called for awareness to be transformed into action, with families and parish communities encouraged to become places where dignity is respected, equality is promoted, children are protected, and women and children can live with safety, justice and hope.

By Catholic Connect Reporter