From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Mar 9: Well-known TV journalist turned social media activist Faye D’Souza called upon women to stand up for themselves and support other women for the real empowerment of women.

Speaking as the chief guest at the International Women’s Day celebrated by the Women’s Commission of the Archdiocese of Bengaluru on Sunday, she said, “Women want equal opportunities, equal wages, equal respect and dignity even if it is one day of the year,’’ she said.

It was ironic that freebies were given and praises were showered on women on one particular day while they were ignored and forgotten for the rest of the year, she said pointing out that women were always in the service of others at home, outside and in the communities.

“More often than not, women are expected to stand up for themselves,’’ she said and emphasised that both men and women should engage in the struggle for gender equality.

She also said women should support other women to achieve the objective.

Archbishop of Bengaluru Most Rev Dr Peter Machado, who was the main celebrant at a Eucharistic celebration to mark the event, said it was wrong to treat and consider women as the weaker sex and, in fact, they were much more strong, loving and compassionate.

The Archbishop urged the women to continue to stand with the church in working for the upliftment of the less privileged women, the poor the needy and those in prison. All the women must strive to improve their presence and involvement in all spheres of life to achieve the objective of equality, he said.

Dona Fernandes, the keynote speaker, spoke on the struggles of women and mentioned the lead role played by women in the ongoing struggle against the controversial Citizens Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Population Register (NPR) which would be most challenging for women and children especially those who are widowed, separated, unmarried, orphaned.

She urged the women to remember that this is another freedom struggle where we need to be in solidarity with people of all religions.

Brinda Adige, joint secretary of the Commission and a social activist, emphasized the need for women to be given positions of decision making in all spheres. This would be a huge step forward in our journey towards making our homes, workplaces, churches and communities more safe and just for all. Edwina spoke on child abuse and the role of a woman as a mother especially to educate the child and bring equality in the gender at home front.

She also touched upon the sensitivity that a mother can alone understand thereby practice of not being partial towards the children in their rights.

Msgr Fr Joseph Jayanathan, Fr Cyril, director of Women’s Commission and MrsLorna Lobo, General Secretary of the Commission, were the other speakers.

Veena Serrao, Elaine Menezes, Lorna Lobo and Priya were the key organisers of the event in which over 400 women from all walks of life in the Archdiocese of Bengaluru took part.