Trained young people under the program called Building Local Capacities for Peace (LCP) along with their diocesan youth groups/movements of CSI have planned and executed a weeklong observance for this year’s International women’s day on the theme, I am generation equality: realizing women’s rights. #eachforequal

A total of 25 programs were conducted for over 2800 people in 25 different areas from the 5 southern states of India between the 1st and 8th of March.

The list of diocesan youth groups that organized these events were: Karnataka South, Madhya Kerala, Krishna Godavari, Karnataka North, Kanyakumari, Karimnagar, Karnataka Central, and Dornakal.

Some of the key events of this year’s observances were:

1.Orienting the theme to the congregation, by skit, sermon, games, fellowship gatherings, and many more
2.Recognizing women’s contribution
3.Assistance to generate income
4.Reflection to the SDG’s Goal 5.
5.Handicrafts were made and distributed
6.Understanding gender with corporate minds
7.Familiarizing books written by women
8.Enunciation of women in writing
9.Seminars
10. Debates
11. Conclave
12. Art café
13. Rangoli competition
14. Drawing and Painting competitions
15. Elocution competitions
16. Quiz competitions

Towards the end of each event young people came together understanding the need for equality by striking the pose #eachforequal

The outcome of the program was that young people have started to look into alternate narratives (breaking gender stereotypes) for the betterment of the society. Moreover, A strong youth force can be created, if appropriate guidance is provided.

We encourage each one of you to move beyond observing these important days by also looking into similar issues and trying to bring change for a better future.

Praveen Daniel S
Program Executive – LCP
CSI-SEVA