Media Release
Mumbai, Mar 11: International Women’s Day celebration was held at Canossa High School, Mahim by the Archdiocesan Women’s Commission held on Sunday, March 5.
The programme began with a short prayer by Merlyn, deanery coordinator, Mira Bhyander deanery, asking the Lord that we be strong women of substance and that we follow Jesus whose transfiguration account we read in the Gospel, and we be more and more like Jesus. This was followed by prayer dance by the women cell members of St Lawrence parish, Thane. It set the beautiful tone of the day.
The audience were led into the Women’s Anthem and Creed.
Bernadine Fernandes, executive secretary of the Commission for Women, Archdiocese of Bombay, welcomed the audience warmly and said we were meeting after 2 long years. She extended a hearty welcome to each one present in the hall. She introduced the theme ‘Embrace Equity’. She spoke on how the previous year’s international Women’s Day them ‘Break the Bias’ pushes us forward and onward towards this year’s theme. She raised the pointed question on What is EQUITY? She explained that Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.
In her concluding remarks, she stated No contribution is too small, everyone has a role to play and It is not going to be easy or quick to solve this problem.
An icebreaker was conducted where the participants had to mingle and were in a frenzy to find out who is Good singer, Professional dancer, Good artist, poet/writer, Married for 25 years etc. Prizes were distributed to the early birds.
Sunita Machado introduced the Speaker, Chrisann Creado a psychologist and development consultant. Chrisann spoke on the Theme, she said today was a day to celebrate and reflect. She explained the Theme well by stating that Equity and the imbalances, we need to work towards removal of barriers. We start at different points. Example: girls are given free education in schools. Equal rights are given but sometimes girls are not able to take these opportunities. Also the money at times allocated by Government to girls for higher studies is not received by them
Chrisann gave a glaring example of how at times girls do not fare well in Mathematics and they are told its ok, “your mother too could not fare well” but if the boy fares badly in Mathematics, he is pushed to do well, and given the necessary help to succeed.
She stressed that at home, household work should be taught to boys too, boys and girls need to learn to cook, to wash clothes etc. and careers should be open to both boys and girls.
When we embrace equity, we embrace diversity and inclusion. We forge harmony and unity to help drive success for all, only then we can reach equality.
Veera, introduced the next speaker Malvaikaan ex-student from TISS, spoke on ‘women’s mental health and well being’. How do we take care of our mental health? She said Happiness is subjective, so also is Mental Health. For our well being, she said we need to spend at least 5 minutes a day or 15 minutes a week to be with ourselves. One member said she goes on a date with herself once a week.
Malvika said, We need to create boundaries i.e. When to say YES and when NO when demands are made on us. We need to assert our boundaries. She was happy that a few men participated today as they are there to fight for womens rights.
We need to find a balance between our physical, social, spiritual, personal selves and also within the child and the adult within us. We need to be independent. Try to find hobbie
The Holy Eucharist was con celebrated by Bishop Barthol, Fr Anthony, spiritual director, and Fr Nazareth. Bishop Barthol in his homily said “Jesus embraced equity. Jesus mixed with the Samaritans. Jesus broke barriers, He built bridges of love.
The good Samaritan embraced equity. He broke down barriers, and reached out to the man (Jew) who was beaten up by the robbers and left on the road. He included him in his friendship and was fair and just to him.
The Highlight of the event was the felicitation programme :
1. Rita Rose, world famous Goan Konkani Singer and artist was felicitated.
2. Assumption George from St Joseph Church, Belapur, was felicitated for her work in the slums, migrants and down trodden.
3. Sr Seema was also felicitated for her 36 years of living in inserted service and also for being instrumental in starting the Jagruti Kendra at St Jude’s Parish, Jerimeri.
Bishop Barthol also thanked all the office bearers past and present for their selfless service to the Women’s Commission.
Fr Anthony too thanked all those present and shared his views and changes he envisages.
The Zumba performance by the South Bombay Deanery, set feet a tapping. A wrap skit by the Andheri Deanery, depicted how women have been criticized during their life journey and how they could make their own Choices in life.
The compere Mavis came up with unique spot prizes.
Lorraine proposed the Vote of Thanks, lunch was served at the end of the programme.