CCBI Women’s Commission Trains National Resource Team to Promote Leadership and Safeguarding

Bengaluru, March 12, 2026: The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) Commission for Women conducted its Second National Resource Team Training Programme from March 9 to 11 at Nava Spoorthy Kendra in Bengaluru, bringing together 33 women leaders from five regions across India to strengthen women’s leadership and safeguarding awareness within the Church.

The three-day programme served as a platform for learning, reflection and collaboration, equipping participants to promote dignity, equality and the active participation of women in Church communities.

During the sessions, Mrs. Benedict outlined the structure and functions of the CCBI Commission for Women, highlighting its mission to encourage women’s leadership and expand their involvement in pastoral initiatives at diocesan and parish levels.

A major focus of the training was the implementation of the Church’s Pastoral Plan 2033, which the Commission began rolling out in 2025 to enhance women’s participation in the life and mission of the Church. The initiative has gathered momentum across the country, with 63 Latin dioceses taking part in leadership formation programmes last year. Organisers noted that the current training programme reflected growing interest and engagement from various regions.

Participants also explored key themes including gender sensitisation, stereotypes and discrimination, equality and equity, and gender-based violence. Special sessions introduced participants to India’s legal frameworks for safeguarding, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, enabling them to promote safer and more respectful environments within Church institutions.

The programme was spiritually enriched by daily Eucharistic celebrations and reflections guided by Fr. Gangula Vignan Das, Fr. Christopher Vimalraj, and Fr. Edward Joseph of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists), who accompanied participants in reflecting on the Church’s call to justice, dignity and protection.

Sharing her experience, Pushpa Koyon from the Kerala Region described the training as “an eye-opening opportunity,” particularly for participants from her region. She noted that sessions on Communio, gender sensitisation and the POCSO Act helped participants recognise their responsibility in fostering meaningful participation of women in building a vibrant and synodal Indian Catholic Church.

Participants appreciated the interactive methodology adopted during the sessions, which helped them internalise the themes and prepare practical initiatives for implementation in their respective regions and dioceses.

The Commission also expressed gratitude to Sr. Rusheela of the Daughters of the Heart of Mary for her simple yet inspiring facilitation that enriched the training experience.

Concluding the programme, Sr. Lidwin Fernandes, National Executive Secretary of the Commission, encouraged the regional and diocesan representatives to prepare annual action plans to implement the learnings from the training. She noted that several dioceses have already begun drafting their pastoral plans, building on the successful implementation of the 2025 pastoral planner.

Participants returned to their respective regions with renewed commitment to extend the training to women at the diocesan, deanery and parish levels, strengthening women’s leadership and participation in the life and mission of the Church in India.

By Catholic Connect Reporter