Celebration of International Women’s Day

8 March, 2016

The Commission for Women, Vasai Diocese celebrated International Women’s day on 8th March 2016. The event highlighted the atrocities and crimes against the Church andwomen in particular.   The event sparked off with a peace rallyfrom ChimajiAppa ground to St. Gonzalo Garcia College with almost 800 women and men, shouting slogans and raising their voices against increase in the type of violence on women in the Church.

The rally was followed by a short program on the college grounds.  The Lamp was lit by Fr. John Fargose, Chancellor of Vasai Diocese, Adv. Audrey D’Mello from Majlis, Sr. Natalia Sequeira (SRA) from Mumbai, Sr. Hilda Fernandes, Director of Commission for Women and Ms Clara from Papdy Sr Hilda, welcomed the participants.

A heart rending prayer dance was performed by the girls of Maria Sadan, Nirmal followed by a short skit put up by the women from the different Parishes of the Diocese on their refusal to cow down to violence in the Church.

The chief guest Adv. Audrey D’Melloemphasized that women should be treated with respect and dignity in all spheres.  She enumerated the laws to safeguard women’s rights and ensured that these are properly and timely executed to ensure justice to the women and reiterated the role of the Church in meting out this justice.  She also focused on the rising intolerance towards minorities in India at this point in time.

Sr. Natalia Sequeira shared her experiences while working in the mission stations; how she had bravely confronted the attacks on the missionaries and the ever challenging scenario in which a Christian woman is called to testify and stand witness.  Fr. John Fargosealso spoke strongly against attacks on the churches in India and on the women and exhorted each one to collectively raise a voice.  He pledged his support and commitment to alleviate crimes against women in his own milieu.

Ms. Briliana Lopes, the staff of Sakhya delivered the vote of thanks, followed by the singing of the National Anthem.

Exposure visit of Lycee Cours Bastide School, France

19 students from France accompanied by Sr. Hazel D’Lima and Sr. Pascal Puppinck came for the exposure visit to Sakhya – Women’s Guidance Cell on 4^th February 2016.  Based on the concept of “Atithi Devo Bhav” they were given a warm Indian traditional welcome.  Sr. Hilda Fernandes introduced Sakhya’s objective and established the identity of Sakhya. Through an audio visual presentation, she highlighted the concerns and intervention strategies.  

The students raised queries with regards to the Indian political, socio, cultural system and how it addresses the issue of violence and the role of Sakhya.  The students also got to know the intensity of violence through the cases counseled by Chatush Singh, Counselor of Sakhya.

The students and visitors expressed their appreciation for the concerted efforts invested by the team to address gender issues, the strategies adopted by Sakhya and the overall mission of Sakhya to work to end violence against women. We thank them for their generous gift and contribution to Sakhya in cash and in kind.

Once again we Thank You. We look forward for your partnership in Future.

  

      “CREATING SAFE SPACES FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS

29^th Annual Day Celebration of Sakhya

 

While celebrating 29^th Annual day Sakhya Women’s Guidance Cell organized a grand event“Creating safe spaces for women and girls” on 18^th Feb 2016.  The main idea behind the event was to raise consciousness on providing safety and security to women and girls. The day witnessed presence of 350 people at SamajSevaMandal,Nirmal, to participate in the event. The chief guest of the day Dr.Mrs. GeetaBalkrishnan, Principal of College of Social Work, Nirmala Niketan graced the event with her presence. The Guest of honour on the occasion was Mr. SampatRaoPatil, Senior Inspector of Vasai Police Station.

The Program began with the lighting of lamp which was joined by guests and Sakhya team.Ms. Hilda Fernandes, Director of Sakhya welcomed the participants, this was followed by introduction and welcome of guests by Ms. ShailaCrasto.The Program was anchored by Ms. Shraddha andMsBriliana. The 13^th Quarterly newsletter; Hunkar cum Souvenir and Training Manual were released by Dr. Ms. GeetaBalkrishnan.

 The girls from Nanbhat parish “Little Wonder” presented a graceful welcome dance. The students of College of Social Work, Nirmala Niketanpresented Sakhya’s annual report highlighting one years achievements in the form of fashion show .The women from GassDongri sang an awareness song. The Chief Guest, Guest of Honour and other dignitaries were felicitated by staff of Sakhya.

In her key note address Dr. GeetaBal Krishnan highlighted growth and vision of Sakhya and appreciatedSakhya’s effort to spread awareness at grass root level. She stressed the need to provide more safety and security to women and girls in the present scenario. She gave a message; women should get financial independency to strengthen their rights.

Mr. SampatRaoPatil shared his vision for safety and security of women and girls through better enforcement of legislation like POCSO Act 2012 and DV Act 2005.

 To make the program colourful a thematic dance was presented to the tune of song by Sakhya staff and two girls.A panel discussion was organized which consisted of Mr.Namdev, Ms. Marshan, Ms. Reshama, Ms. Rekha  and Ms. Sunila, a very vibrant discussion took place for 10 minutes . The Panelists used various ways to talk about the issue.The day saw performance of skit depicting gender discrimination and domestic violence by the students of St. Joseph College, Satpala.

The program saw felicitation ceremony of the winners of essay competition held during International day for elimination of violence against women and convocation ceremony of the participants of TOT certificate course. Dr. GeetaBalkrishandistributed prizes to 16 students, winners of essay completion from St. St. Joseph College and Mr.SampatRaoPatil awarded certificates to 17community women, participants of TOT certificate course.Ms. Chatush Singh,the staff of Sakhya delivered the vote of thanks to all who contributed in making the program successful.

The program came to an end by singing the National Anthem.

Second batch of TOT certificate course (August 2015-October 2015)

From the month of August 2015 to October 2015 Sakhya Women Guidance Cell organized Training of trainers for the leaders of Vasai Dioces who are actively involved in the community development. Sphere training sessions were concerned with influencing attitudes towards humanitarianism and enhancing individual skills to deliver humanitarian action.

The various topics of TOT were Laws relating to violence against women, Christian marriage and divorce law, basic counseling skills,  domestic violence and educational visit to Court, Police station, ICDS. Finally on 21^st October 2015 convocation event was held at Sakhya to distribute certificates to 28 participants.

Anjali was married to Ramesh from Satara.  He works on a highway eatery.  She has three children.  After marriage she started staying with her husband in Mumbai city.  The happiness in the marriage lasted for a very short period as Ramesh started abusing and beating her.    She sought help from Sakhya.  She was counseled and subsequently he too was counseled in the court where he committed in writing that he will harass her no more and will look after the family.  

After this event Ramesh forced her to leave Mumbai and stay with his parents in Satara.  There too she was subjected to intense abuse by her in laws as well as her sister in law.  She had also reported that her father in law has even sexually molested her two year old daughter.   

When Anjali could take it no more, she decided to flee from the home.  However she was never allowed to leave the house unescorted.  Once she set out of the house on the pretext of marketing escorted by a boy, she fled and reached Mumbai without her children.  With no support she started begging on the streets.  Later she got in touch with her father who then sheltered her and motivated her to seek legal help. 

She has shown exemplary courage in filing her case, despite procedural hurdles from the law enforcement machinery.  She has also managed to get her children, who are now staying with her.  Meanwhile her husband has also filed a counter case against her.   She is keen to earn and raise resources to look after her children.