Kohima: An association of Catholic women in Nagaland has decided to organize various programs to spread the gender policy of the Indian Church.

A three-day seminar on women empowerment at Kohima, capital of Nagaland, also decided to create awareness for clean politics.

The Nagaland Catholic Women’s Association organized the June 25-27 program at Mount Tabor Retreat House, Jotsoma-Kohima. Women leaders from all parishes of Kohima diocese attended the program.

A press release issued at the end of seminar said the women’s association will organize retreats and seminars in parishes for women, men and youth to make them aware of the Church’s gender policy. It has also recommended that the diocese set up a committee on gender policy and clean politics.

Rita Chaya, a woman leader, explained the “Gender Policy of the Catholic Church of India” that highlights the importance of gender equality and the need to give prominent roles to women in the Church.

The policy issued by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India in 2010 maintains that women’s empowerment is central to achieving gender equality. It is based on the mutual understanding that both male and female are created in the image and likeness of the divine. The policy rejects all types of discrimination against women as being contrary to God’s intent and purpose.

Speaking on the topic, ‘Empowerment of Women for Peace and Development’ Dr. Rose Mary Dzüvichü, another woman leader, urged women to recognize and fight for their rights. Women play a key role in peace building politically, socially and economically, she asserted.

Fr. Vimedo, who spoke on ‘The importance of Confession and the power of absolution,’ said women are a priority and key to human family and the Kingdom of God. He also said that priests can forgive sins in the name of God.

Addressing the assembly on women’s health Sr. Rita Miasalhou said, “Healthy women give birth to healthy children. Since our health is in our hands we should, as far as possible, eat organic food and be very careful when it comes to medication without proper prescription.”