MANGALURU: In a major initiative aimed at fostering legal literacy and social justice, the CCBI Commission for Women of the Diocese of Mangalore successfully organized a comprehensive ‘Training of Trainers’ programme at the Gantalkatte Parish Hall near here. The training session focused critically on Gender Sensitization, the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The event witnessed active participation from 20 key leaders across the Moodbidri deanery. The attendees included parish secretaries and representatives of the Women Commission, presidents of the Catholic Women Association (CWA) from various parishes, Moodbidri Deanery CWA President Mrs Sabitha Rodrigues, and the Deanery In-charge of the Commission for Women, Mrs Ida Menezes.
The programme commenced with a prayer session led by Rev. Fr Rock D’Sa, Parish Priest of Gantalkatte Church. In his welcoming address, Rev. Fr D’Sa urged the participants to maximize the utility of the training and act as ambassadors of awareness and justice, carrying these crucial learnings back to their respective local communities.
The sessions were graced by Mrs Anita Frank, Secretary of the Diocesan Women Commission, alongside diocesan commission members Mrs Mercy, Mrs Usha Fernandes, and Mrs Anita Lobo.
Delivering the foundational session on Gender Sensitization, Mrs Mercy emphasized the urgent need to eliminate discrimination and cultivate mutual respect, equality, and dignity within families, workplaces, and the larger society.
Advocate Lolin, serving as the primary resource person, delivered an insightful and comprehensive presentation on the legal frameworks of the POSH and POCSO Acts. Utilizing practical case studies, Advocate Lolin educated the leaders on legal rights, responsibilities, workplace safety protocols, and robust mechanisms required for safeguarding children. The highly interactive format allowed the participants to clarify complex doubts regarding legal interventions and reporting mechanisms.
Following this, Mrs Anita Frank addressed the impact of gender-based violence. She outlined strategies for addressing abuses and reiterated that recognizing equal rights is foundational to driving positive change within families, workplaces, and parishes.
The training concluded with a call to action by Mrs Anita Lobo, who appreciated the high engagement of the participants and challenged them to practically implement the knowledge to build safer, more inclusive communities. Mrs Ida Menezes efficiently coordinated the logistics and anchored the event as the Master of Ceremonies, while Mrs Sabitha Rodrigues proposed the vote of thanks. The Diocesan Commission expressed deep gratitude to Rev. Fr Rock D’Sa for supporting the initiative and providing the venue facilities free of cost.
