CONSULTATION WITH WOMEN FEDRATION LEADERS

A day's workshop was conducted on 13.11.2019 to review the progress achieved by the Federations during the last one year and build up a consensus on participation of women in local self-governance. Sr. Zita D’souza, Chief Coordinator, Women Empowerment Program welcomed the gathering. Fr. Sebastian Fernandes, Director, KROSS gave the keynote address.

This was followed by the presentation of the work done by the Women’s Federation in the 14 dioceses where Women Empowerment Program is being implemented. The presentation drew a lot of appreciation besides it was a cross learning to each other. This session was moderated by Mr. G. M. Varghese, Project Officer, KROSS.

Mr. Saver Fernandes, the Resource Person for the day then facilitated a session on “Role of Elected Representatives in Rural Development”.

There were four specific questions posed to the Federation Leaders on support to women for local self-governance, strategy to promote information on panchayat raj institutions, motivating people to exercise their franchise and advantage of Federation Members in local governance. This session was moderated by Mr. Sebastian Souza, Coordinator/Trainer, Women Empowerment Program and Mr. Jagdeesh, Coordinators, SMSSS, Shivamogga.

The Federation Leaders then prepared an action plan on the way forward.

The entire day's proceedings were then evaluated by Sr. Zita D’souza and in a nut-shell gave a brief of the days sessions.

The participants then shared their learning from the day’s sessions and what they could do in the field to make the program a success. Ms Sudhamani, Coordinator, JVSSS, Mandya compered the program and Ms Padmavathi, Coordinator, MSSS, Bhadravathi proposed the vote of thanks.