The India National Office recently held a weekend of awareness and action training on several issues faced by women, with the desire to cultivate a culture of respect, empathy and empowerment that values the experiences and voices of women.
Hosted by Colonel Annamma Simon, Secretary for Women’s Development at the India National Office, and supported by Commissioner Mani Kumari Dasari, International Secretary for South Asia, those gathered shared in teaching from specialist guests on a wide range of topics: violence against women, women in leadership, media representation of women, women’s health and well-being, and legal rights and advocacy for women.
Group discussion, led and informed by the realities and concerns of the weekend delegation, explored raising boys to respect women and girls to understand their rights, the value of formal training and mentoring among women in ministry and leadership, and how to empower women in local settings to stand up for justice.
‘One evening saw an astonishing moment as each woman, with bold and strong commitment, shared her wonderful story,’ one delegate shared. ‘Each shared something unique and inspiring which encouraged the rest of us. As a group of women who come from and work in several different states, these stories brought us closer together and to better know how to help and support one another in prayer. Now, we stand united under the big umbrella of one family.’
