The lady apostolate of the Western India Region had organized a two day seminar on the 4th & 5th November at the St. Benedi
ct Monastery, Bangalore. Four lady representatives from Goa including myself attended this Seminar.
The topic of the seminar was ‘Warning signs of severe mental stress and Vincentian support with awareness’. Fr. Felix Victor, vice-principal of St. Joseph College, Bangalore in his inaugural address conveyed that ‘Women are called the fair sex’. They educate one child, they educate a family. Indian society is still backward in protecting the rights of women. The government has passed several acts to protect & empower women. Vincentians all over India are working to uplift women. Therefore “as Vincentians, keep the fire burning, for you are the beacon”, was the clarion call from Fr. Felix Victor. The main resource person was Sr. Ida Lobo of Holy Spirit Convent Bangalore. Sr. Ida had a fruitful session. She got a feedback from every state on the problems women faced.
Each state had different problems like:
- Women harassment
- Girl-child difference
- Poverty in Family
- Education for girls
- Dowry system
- Safety of women
- Sexual abuse (Rape)
- Women – lonely, old, single, divorced
- Suicide
Major problems in most states was ALCHOHOLISM and so, Sr. Ida discussed it in detail. The root cause and solution to tackle this problem was exhaustively taken up for discussion.
SEXUAL ABUSE was another problem which needed to be tackled & so was discussed in detail. All other issues mentioned were also discussed and solutions given as to how to tackle such problems. Two important telephone nos. of use to be noted:
Child Helpline – 1098
Abuse for Women – 1091
Besides these sessions, time was given to interact with women of other states. This was an occasion to know the problems faced by our Vincentians and the amazing work all are doing in other states. We also learnt from each other. Our sole motto being ‘Faith in Action’.
Besides Women Seminar they also had a seminar for Vincentian youth and Goa was represented by 13 youth members. We need to galvanize more of our youth and be a guiding force to lead them into the ‘Vincentian Youth’ teams of every Conference in Goa.
Asha Vas