NATIONAL SEMINAR ON CAPACITY BUILDING FOR WOMEN OFFICERS

National Seminar on Capacity Building for Women Officers was held at The Salvation Army, Conference Center, Coonoor during 15th to 19th July 2019. Colonel Mani Kumari, Secretary for Women Development, conducted the inauguration session and Commissioner Marieke Venter, ZSWM inaugurated the seminar with lighting the candle and shared the keynote address. The Theme of this seminar was   “Shine Women Shine”. Commissioner in her keynote address, enlightened delegates by giving references of remarkable women such as Florence Nightingale-The lady with the lamp, followed by Catherine Booth- Mother of The Salvation Army. Further, Commissioner highlighted sub-topics: “Shine in a world of darkness”, “Arise and Shine” and “Shine because your light has come” she emphasized the word from Isaiah 60:1 which says, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you”. Moreover, she explained that 'Our army is coming up with new ways, new opportunities for women and much could be done in the coming years. Hence, we should be prepared for the best, light the lamp and be a beacon to those who need us.' Each day was beginning with morning devotion led by delegates.

 

The resource person Mrs. Sandra Joseph, Associate professor, Department of Social Work emphasized on topics such as:

1. Comprehending Sex & Gender:  that included gender Identity and discrimination issues in our society.

2. “My mission as a Christian Woman”: In this, she focused on our interpersonal growth that asked reflective questions such as Who am I? Where am I? and Why am I? The session ended with special video clips, group discussion based on the above topics.

3. Identifying, Facilitating and hindering forces in accomplishing the mission.

4. Journaling session: In which we were asked to write our action plan to enhance facilitating factors and to mitigate their hindering factors.
 5. Standing Up: It mentioned what the officers can do as a community of Christian women.

All participants penned down the community plan of action. It constructed new tasks that will be implemented in their respective territories. Besides this, they also had an individual plan of action. There were presentations regarding the plan of action by all the delegates and it was excellent to know all the ideas that could be achieved by the women force of the Salvation Army! Delegates had also made a territorial level plan of action.

 

Special video clips, group discussions, Biblical reflection were added to these subjects in order to understand the topics. The Bible study was conducted every day by the ZSWM. Her topics included Shine like a diamond - Isaiah 43:1-3; Shine like a star - Philippians 2:1-16, 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 and Shine like a flame.

 

Over the course of 4 days, the topics conducted in this seminar had brought a great understanding of women's role in the Christian mission. In the cultural programme, all delegates shared their regional dance forms and enjoyed it thoroughly!

 

On the final day, the spiritual meeting was conducted by Commissioner Marieke Venter and Colonel Mani Kumari. Major Sindhya John, DSWM led the testimonial session. Many delegates shared the blessings they received during the seminar. Commissioner shared the Word of God. In her message, she explained about the light on us. Isaiah 9:2, Psalm 23:4.  In the end, during the altar call all delegates rededicated their lives to Christ and reflected upon their role as women officers in the Salvation Army. All delegates departed with a cheerful memory and fresh thoughts to boost up the work in women ministries of India!