Seminar on “Social Issues of Women” was convened by our Territorial leaders at The Salvation Army VTC, HLCRC, Nagercoil from 9th – 11th August 2018. The aim of this seminar was that the barriers against women should be broken down in the society. Selected TSA Officers, local officers and soldiers were called to attend this three days' intensive training. The Territorial Commander started the programme by sharing the Word of God from Ephesians 6:10-18 verses. He explained how sin entered the world and how Jesus set everything right and with His help we can surely overcome all the issues. His message kept us ready to discuss the issues that exploit women and children.
The first topic to open up with was Women Empowerment and Gender Equality.Its meaning, Historical background, Gender versus Rights and Gender related issues were enlightened by Mrs. Regin Mary, MSW, Director-KODI Trust. We learned that Sex is natural – created by God. But the Gender is created by this society and it varies from place to place. Human Trafficking was explained by Mrs. Caroline Jeba Rani, Associate professor in TSA Catherine Booth College of Nursing. Hard to accept the fact that nearly 1.2 million children were being bought and sold into sexual slavery every year. In this business Profit margin is high. Laws and penalties are there but very lenient and hard to detect. Mrs. Catherine Mary from Nodol Organization described about Child abuse, Forms of and Laws for Child abuse, Child Protection Acts and Child Rights to live and grow. 1098 is the CHILDLINE number to which anyone can call for child protection.
Violence against women, Women rights and Opportunities were defined very clearly by Mr. Jerald, MSc. BL, Consultant, RUC. The interaction was very dynamic. He gave a detailed account of violence and its effects on women and its types. The lawyer was explaining the realities and moving our minds towards constructive decisions to do what we can to uplift the suffering womenfolk. Mrs. Sumathi, M.Sc. (N), talked about Selective abortion, Female foeticide and infanticide - Reasons and Consequences. Dowry system was also dealt by her. Health and Nutritional issues were presented by Mrs. Beutlin, MSc (N), Associate Professor in our College for Nursing. Different kinds of cancers that affect women were explained.
Dr. Johnson Raj, MSW. PhD, Chief Executive Provision helped us to understand the Role and Scope of addressing the issues and the strategies for implementing the actions. He said that all these issues are dynamic, interlinked and age old and taking new forms time to time. Mr. John Selvin, MSW, Program Executive TSA-CHDP was the one who coordinated all the programmes.
Finally, Colonel Indumati Christian, TPWM led delegates towards self-examination on the basis of 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:6-9 verses. She encouraged delegates to understand the power of our leadership to change the community. Lieut. Colonel Mariamma Varghese supported the TPWM by all means. The Seminar ignited the fire within us 'to do something' for the society. Thanks to The Salvation Army and leaders.
Reported by Major Caroline A. Selvi, DDWM, Vallioor Division, India South-Eastern Territory
