With the attendance of 19 delegates and 6 resource persons, Women in Leadership Development Workshop was conducted at the HRD Centre Chennai from 4-8 March 2019 under the Leadership of Commissioner Marieke Venter, Zonal Secretary for Women's Ministries. The aim of this National workshop was to develop and strengthen ability, capacity and confidence of women officers for future leadership. The delegates have been encouraged by the theme 'Facing Forward' based on the Bible verses Philippians 3:13 -14.
The workshop commenced with welcome and prayer by the Territorial Leaders of India Central Territory Commissioners Wilfred & Prema Varughese and followed by the welcome dinner. Each day was started with the Morning Prayers Commissioner Prema led in a creative and meaningful way as to face forward together in one accord with strength and power through Christ Jesus, on the day one..
Commissioner Marieke in her keynote, encouraged the women to facing forward to have courage and determination even the journey ahead would be new and unknown. She continued to speak about the women in leadership in The Salvation Army, also mentioned the General's Vision of gender equity which came to an interesting time of discussion.
The subject ‘Women in Leadership in India’ was taught by Colonel Mani Kumari she mentioned some of the exemplary women in India, their leadership and what we can learn from them. A time of discussion had been a good reflection for each delegate to gain strength and determination.
It was an interesting experience of board room participation in practical way facilitated by Lieutenant Colonel Lalhlimpuii. Delegates were divided in three groups and each group had a Chairperson, secretary and a member of officers having different appointment. They sat for a board meeting having the same agenda in each group, this practical work helps each delegate to participate and learning the things through experience.
The morning prayers for each day brought inspiring thoughts and blessings. 'In Christ alone My hope is found' is the song which moved the hearts during this workshop.
Another resource person Lieutenant Colonel Kalie Webb from IHQ personnel brought us a good lesson to learn on the subject Prioritizing and delegating, managing team & managing conflict, building team work. Which was done in a very practical and interesting way. Each delegate enjoyed the fun of making bridges despite of the limited material such as newspaper, scissor and sticky tape the works went well. It was good to learn how important is to listen to each other by exercising through practical, and how to manage conflict by changing the question and so many more. All the practical works & the contribution each have made was inspiring.
Writing skill is what most of the womens feels that we are lacking, it might be true in one way or the other. But Major Jashiben from her teaching and encouragement everyone to write, and it is indeed through the practical work of writing reports & article proofs each can be a writer.
By being aware of the need of having basic knowledge in Finance, training has been received from Lieutenant Colonel Manoharan which was very useful. The final meeting conducted by Commissioner Marieke Venter was a time of praise & worship, prayers and sharing. The message 'Speak out' expressed in a variety way showed the need to speak out which really brought blessing and challenges for each future ministry. A time of prayer to the Mercy Seat touched again each heart, it was really a blessed time to refresh, encourage and strengthen to Facing Forward by the Grace of God.
Reported by Lieutenant Colonel Lalhlimpuii, Under Secretary, South Asia, IHQ-London
