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The gender analysis and the factors to be taken into account such as division of labour, access and control and also the needs were discussed. Through different exercises the participants realized that the disabling forces are more in number than the enabling forces and it is high time that women challenge such disabling forces and even defy or condemn them if they stand in the way of Gender Justice and substantive equity. Through the training programme the participants were able to realize that the fact that Patriarchy has led women in a position of conflict and this can be only solved when resources are equally shared. The causes could be also categorized as cultural, economical, political and psychological and are interrelated giving rise to further causes of oppression. There were interactive sessions too through which real life instances came out of many inhibitions and finally summing up with an Action Plan for Starting a New Beginning in the local pastorates. The Coordinator, Women and Gender Concerns-CNI, Mrs. Rachael Pradhan and Mrs. Veronica Salve from the Diocese of Bombay were the facilitators for the programme. The Bible Studies and discourses challenged the participants to stand against the forces that do not recognize their existence and contributions. The closing programme was held on the 31st afternoon for which the President of the Church of North India-Synodical Women’s Fellowship for Christian Service, Mrs P.P. Masih was also present. The participants were asked to give their feedbacks on the Programme. The participants took time to share freely what they have learnt from the 3 days programme. The presence of the Mrs. P.P.Masih was highly apprecialted by all the women present there for the programme and the time of inter – action was indeed a meaningful one. |
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The
Word “gender,” means the combination of socially and culturally
constructed differences between women and men. It is distinct from
biological differences. Gender establishes the social roles,
practices, structures, and ideologies that shape the lives and
identities of women and men, reinforcing and perpetuating their
unequal status and unequal relationships. 
The
programme started off with a unique icebreaking activity followed by
Sessions, Bible Studies, group works/ discussions, group
presentations, individual presentations, debates, role plays and
enacting the situations of women today in regard to gender
discrimination that is prevailing in our society. The participants
were encouraged to start within oneself at first as it is the great
need of today and that we need to use the opportunity that is given to
us and avail it with courage and to work towards fulfilling our
dreams. The methods of having power against patriarchy were also
introduced and then were elaborated. The definition of the word
'Gender' and the gender roles, the activities, the control of labour
were was also discussed and debated. Referring to the sessions and
discussions on how different institutions have been involved in the
gendering process, especially the family, educational institutions and
religion, the facilitators have been able to present to the
participants the fact how patriarchy through different institutions
have exerted control over women’s life in matters regarding
fertility, sexuality, labour resources and mobility.