Theme: Women's Safety, Gender Sensitization, POCSO & POSH
Date: 23.8.26
Our Lady Of Annunciation Church
Organized by: Women's Commission - Goal 2
An awareness session for women under Goal 2 was successfully organized in the parish with the aim to empower women with knowledge about their rights, gender equality, and safety laws. The program was attended by the women from the parish with great enthusiasm.
The program was conducted as per the following schedule:
1. Welcoming of the Group: The gathering was warmly welcomed by Mrs. Jaya Ragini. She greeted all the women present and briefed about the purpose of Goal 2 and the importance of the day's session.
2. Introduction: Mrs. Jaya introduced the resource persons and gave an overview of the day's sessions. She highlighted why awareness on Gender, POCSO and POSH is essential for every woman and mother today.
3. Felicitation of the Resource Persons: The resource persons were felicitated by our Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Melvin. He appreciated their service and spoke about the need for the Church to create safe spaces for women and children.
4. Session 1 - Gender Sensitization & Gender Violence by Ms. Veena Michael: Ms. Veena Michael conducted an insightful session on Gender Sensitization. She explained the difference between sex and gender, gender stereotypes, patriarchy, and how gender inequality leads to gender-based violence. She encouraged women to be aware and raise their voice against discrimination.
5. Session 2 - POCSO Act by Ms. Blessy Matthew: Ms. Blessy Matthew explained the POCSO Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) . She spoke about identifying signs of child abuse, how to respond, mandatory reporting, and how mothers can create a safe and open environment for their children to speak up.
6. Session 3 - POSH Act by Ms. Jisha Philip & Ms. Blessy Matthew: The session on POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace) was jointly taken by Ms. Jisha Philip and Ms. Blessy Matthew. They explained what constitutes sexual harassment, rights of women at the workplace, the role of the Internal Complaints Committee, and the procedure to file a complaint.
The sessions were interactive, with women clarifying their doubts and sharing their views. Helpline numbers were also shared.
7. Thank You Note: A heartfelt vote of thanks was proposed by Mrs. Cecilia Peter. She thanked the Parish Priest, all resource persons, organizers, and all the women who participated actively and made the program a success.
8. Group Photo: The program concluded with a group photograph as a memory of this enriching and empowering session.
Conclusion: The Goal 2 awareness session was highly informative and empowering. It equipped women with the necessary knowledge and confidence to stand for themselves and protect their children. The participants appreciated the initiative.