Report and Pics by Jessie Rodrigues, Bangalore (AF/GA)
Bangalore, Mar 6: NBCLC celebrated it's ruby jubilee with ‘Celebrant Women’ a conference on ‘Women's Empowerment’ an extensive residential programme from Friday March 2 to Sunday March 4 at NBCLC centre focusing on women's oppressed situation, domestic violence, battered women, commercial sex workers, HIV/AIDS, harassment in work places, dalits etc.
People, majority of them ladies from Bellary, Mumbai, Chanda, Delhi, Gulbarga, Hyderabad, Indore, Irinjalakuda, Lucknow, Chennai, Mangalore, Mysore, Palayamkotti, Poona, Sagar, Shimoga, Sivagangai, Thanjavur, Tiruchirapalli, Trivandrum, Tuticorin, Vasai, Vellore, Warangal and Bangalore participated actively.
Inaugural Eucharistic celebration was by Fr Bernard Moras, archbishop of Bangalore. Fr Thomas D'Sa, director NBCLC the delivered welcome address while Margaret Alva, honorary advisor, Bureau of Parliamentary Studies was present on the dais as chief guest. In her inaugural address, Alva stressed on the need for women to rise as millions of them are unsung and unheard of. She advised the ladies to change their thinking process. Empowerment is self-realization, she added, quoting Mother Teresa and Phoolan Devi.
She also released a book called ‘Men & Women, Diversity & Mutual Complimentality’ by NBCLC Publications on the occasion.
Lilly Fernandes of NBCLC briefed the participants on the dynamics of the conference.
Eminent speakers and women activists had their power point presentations. Sr Resmi, CHF from St Joseph's College, Irinjalakuda talked on ‘Situational Analysis on Women in India’ while Jyothi Raj enlightened the participants on ‘Economic Empowerment of Dalits’ which was never heard of. Sr Kochurani briefed on "Towards a Critical Theology of Liberation of Women’.
Rita Noronha presented a talk on ‘Women's Movements in India’. Sr Inigo, discussed the topic ‘Challenges and Responses to Gender Justice and Equality’. Sr Agnesita talked on organizing women's ‘Self-Help Groups and Beyond’ and Sr Jeanne Devos, elaborated on ‘Domestic Workers Union’.
All these sessions were followed by response followed by interaction and clarifications from the general assembly. A devadasi woman from Bijapur shared her practical problems with the assembly. Fr Jerry Rosario, being the moderator presented a final draft of the future plan of action.
Group discussions were a part of everyday session and cultural programmes spreading the message of Gospel through dance and music by Nrityavani were also held on the occasion. ‘I Love my India,’ Snake dance and the play ‘Mummy Retires’ directed by Fr Michael G were a great hit.
The conference concluded with vote of thanks by Fr Thomas D'sa, Director of NBCLC.