By Matters India Reporter
Patna, Sept 30, 2022: The Bihar government on September 30 awarded Presentation Sister Dorothy Fernandes for her work for the economic empowerment of women in the eastern state for the past 25 years.
Bihar Minister of Social Welfare Madan Sahani presented the award to Sister Fernandes at a function in Patna, the state capital, to celebrate “Stree Shakti’ (women power) as part of the Dussehra mela (fair).
The Women Development Corporation of Bihar that organizes the nine-day Navratri has chosen nine women from various walks of for the recognition. Some awardees were entrepreneurs, but Sister Fernandes was chosen for her work of women’s economic empowerment.
The organizers said the awardees are the unsung heroes who have for decades worked tirelessly among those on the margins.
“I thank God for the health I enjoy and the courage to continue against many odds and to believe that what I do make a difference to some. To God be the honor and glory,” Sister Fernandes told Matters India after receiving the award.
She is currently the national coordinator of the Forum of Religious for Justice and Peace, an advocacy group for Catholic nuns, brothers and priests. She has been serving as a social activist in Patna since 1997 with communities on the periphery. She is also chair of the Women’s Commission for the Archdiocese of Patna and an advisory member of the social wing of the archdiocese – Forum for Social Initiatives.
She says she began her service 25 years ago with the education in the rural areas and then expanding it to the urban sector. “The long journey has been mingling with those whom society at large doesn’t care,” she added.
She offers these women a year of sewing and beautician course and awards them with a certificate in March. During the 12 months the women are encouraged to save money to pay for 50 percent for the cost of the machine. “We find the rest of the money from friends and benefactors. With a skill and without a machine they can’t start a small business,” Sister Fernandes explained.
The selected some 150 young women for the course and nearly 40 percent of them begin their own business. The course is free, but they have to get their material. The nun helps those unable to do so.
“Their contribution to the family income gives them respect and recognition. So things are changing,” the nun explained.
She also said her experience in the past quarter of a century has convinced her that the women on the periphery could become skilled persons if given an opportunity.
The Bihar Mahila Udyog Sangh September 26 started the Dussehra fair with various events. It has put up some 200 stalls to showcase and sell a wide range of products.
Women entrepreneurs from across the state have participated in the five-day fair at Gyan Bhawan.