Introduction

An awareness session on POSH – Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace was conducted on Sunday, 16th August 2026, at the Pastoral Centre, Ghat Gate. The session witnessed enthusiastic participation from the members of the Women’s Commission and served as a meaningful initiative towards creating greater awareness about the safety, dignity and rights of women and children.

The session was led by Neelam Ma’am, Regional Secretary, Agra Region, who conducted the programme in a clear, practical and interactive manner. Her insightful presentation helped the participants understand the legal provisions as well as their responsibilities in preventing and responding to incidents of harassment and abuse.

Objectives of the Session

The main objectives of the awareness session were:

To create awareness about the provisions and importance of the POSH Act.
To help participants understand what constitutes sexual harassment and sexual abuse.
To encourage a culture of safety, dignity, respect and zero tolerance towards harassment and abuse.
To familiarise participants with appropriate reporting and complaint mechanisms.
To emphasise the importance of timely intervention and responsible action.

Key Points Covered

1. POSH Act – Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace

The session explained the meaning and various forms of sexual harassment at the workplace. Participants were made aware of the rights of women and the responsibility of organisations to provide a safe and respectful working environment.

The role, responsibilities and functioning of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) were explained, along with the importance of maintaining confidentiality and ensuring a fair and sensitive complaint-handling process.

Interactive and Practical Approach

Neelam Ma’am used real-life situations, practical examples and case studies to make the session meaningful and easy to understand. Participants were encouraged to reflect on situations that may arise in workplaces, schools, homes and the wider community.

The discussion focused not only on legal provisions but also on the importance of prevention, awareness, early intervention, sensitivity and responsible reporting. The participants were encouraged to break the silence surrounding such issues and to create an environment where women and children feel safe to speak without fear or hesitation.

Creating a Culture of Safety and Respect

A significant message of the session was that awareness of the law must be accompanied by a change in attitudes and behaviour. Everyone has a role to play in creating spaces where dignity, equality, respect and personal boundaries are valued.

The participants were encouraged to be vigilant, supportive and compassionate while dealing with sensitive situations and to ensure that victims are treated with dignity and without blame or judgement.

Relevant helpline numbers, reporting procedures and avenues for seeking assistance were also shared with the participants.

Participation and Response

The session was attended by members of the Women’s Commission, who participated with keen interest and enthusiasm. The interactive nature of the programme encouraged meaningful discussions and helped clarify various doubts and misconceptions regarding POSH.

The participants appreciated the practical approach adopted by Neelam Ma’am and expressed that the session had enhanced their understanding and confidence in dealing with issues related to workplace safety.

Vote of Thanks

The programme concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks. The participants expressed their sincere gratitude to Neelam Ma’am for her valuable time, insightful guidance and efforts in creating greater awareness about these important Act.

Conclusion

The awareness session on POSH was a meaningful and successful initiative. It provided participants with valuable knowledge about their rights, responsibilities, prevention measures and reporting mechanisms.

The session successfully highlighted that awareness is the first step towards prevention. It also reinforced the need for collective responsibility in ensuring safe, respectful and supportive environments for women and children.

The programme was not merely an awareness session but an important step towards empowering individuals, strengthening vigilance, breaking the silence around abuse and building a safer and more responsible community.

Magdelene Lobo
Editor, Women’s Commission

REPORT

St. Xavier’s Parish Women cell
Activity of March 2024

8th March
Visit to Mother Teresa home, Pratap Nagar
On the occasion of International Women’s day ,the women of St.Xavier’s parish visited the Mother Teresa home, Pratap Nagar to spend some quality time with the special patients . A bus was arranged by the Parish priest for the parish women to commute .It was motivating to witness the dedication and compassion of the MC sisters .The parish women donated diapers ,veggies and some other needs of the patients . After spending few hours there ,we can proudly say that Mother Teresa's mission lives on, in Mother’s house .

24th March
Lent is that sacred time when we remember the depths of God’s love for us expressed in the mysteries of Passion, Death and Resurrection. A Lenten recollection and Adoration was organized by the Women cell of the parish .It was conducted by Sr.Marie James of M C home,C scheme.This recollection gave time to reflect on these mysteries and give thanks for the great and merciful love of God for us. Through prayer, reflection and silence, we hope to find renewal and meaning in our own experiences of death and life and let Jesus teach us what it means to be anchored in love and live in hope. During the Recollection which resounded with the invitation to “Pause” in order to look and contemplate, to “See” the real face of Jesus and to “Return” without fear, to experience the healing and reconciling tenderness of God.

Sr.Marie said the season of Lent is a time “to remedy the dissonant chords of our Christian life.

Breakfast and Lunch arrangements were made by the Women cell of the parish .

REPORT

St. John the Baptist Church Lalarpura Women Cell – March Activity

“A Strong Woman is one who feels deeply and loves fiercely. Her tears flow as abundantly as her laughter. She is both soft and powerful, is both practical and spiritual. In her essence, a strong woman is a gift to the world”.

The Women Cell of St. John the Baptist Church, Lalarpura on 17th March 2024, organized a special felicitation programme for those women who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.

The liturgy for the day was conducted by the members of the women cell followed by felicitation programme. As a small token of appreciation, the achievers were presented mementos and gifts by Rev Fr. Moorthilal and Fr. Georgish Bitto. The achievers were: Ms. Mercy Thomas, Ms. Ritty Francis and Ms. Aishwarya Dexter.

The felicitation event for women in their professions was a resounding success, highlighting the importance of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of women in the workforce. It served as a reminder of the valuable contribution that women make to society and underscored the Church’s commitment to supporting and empowering women in their professional endeavors.

Shiny Jobin
Secretary
Women Cell of St. John the Baptist Church, Lalarpura

Report - St. Xavier Parish 2023 24

Annual General body Meeting on 8 March 2023.
March - Women's day Celebration on Parish level. (Total Liturgy by W.C)
April - Visit to Missionary of Charity home with vegetables and Cash on Good Friday.
May 31st - Ending the month of May by WC Pysam - sponsored by WC.
The Parish women cell organised a free medical health check up camp on the occasion.
July 31st - Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyala Active participation of the WC and presentation of token gifts to the Jesuits priests.
August 27th - Participation in the Feast Day celebration of St. Monica at Pastoral Centre, Ghat Gate.
Won two prizes , first was for most vibrant stall and second was for the maximum number of women participants from our parish (55)
September - A health care camp was organised.
8th September - Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and girl child day celebrations. All the girl children of the Parish were given a token gift by the women cell. Delicious payasam was served to all.
October 22 nd - Organised a medical Camp with the co-operation of doctors and medical team from Fortis Hospital.
October 29th - Active participation in the liturgy. Women Commission gave token gifts to the first Communicants.
December 3rd - Feast of Saint Francis Xavier . Women Commission gave gifts to all the Jesuit priests and took part in the liturgy.
January 7th - Parish get together. Entire function including snacks and lunch was taken care by women Commission including most of the prizes in sports and games.
March 5th - The Parish celebrated International Women's Day in the church on March 5th. The liturgy was conducted by the Parish women cell . The women of Parish had put up a stall to raise funds.

St. John the Baptist Church Lalarpura Women Cell – February Activity

Visiting the sick of the church is a practice rooted in compassion and care within many religious communities. Members of the church often visit those who are ill or in need of support to offer comfort, prayer, and practical assistance. These visits can provide emotional solace, spiritual guidance, and a sense of solidarity during challenging times. Visiting the sick of the church is considered a way to fulfill the biblical command to care for one another and show compassion to those who are suffering. It helps to create a sense of community and unity within the church, reminding members that they are not alone in their struggles and that they have a supportive network of fellow believers around them.

The Women Cell of St. John the Baptist Church, Lalarpura on 12th February 2024, visited the sick members of our parish along with Rev. Fr. Moorthilal and Deacon Vinod.

It was a thoughtful and compassionate gesture for members of the women cell to visit the sick members of the church. This act of kindness provides comfort and support to those who may be feeling unwell or in need of companionship. The women cell went and offered prayer for the sick individual. By offering their time and presence, the women demonstrate care and solidarity within the church community. Such visits can help uplift spirits, offer prayers, and show that the church values and supports its members in times of difficulty.

Shiny James
Secretary
Women Cell St. John the Baptist Church, Lalarpura

St. John the Baptist Church Lalarpura Women Cell – January Activity

“Women have been the backbone of mankind’s progress; their unwavering support and contribution helps in shaping a better world for all.”

The Women Cell ofSt. John the Baptist Church, Lalarpura recognizes the significant challenges faced by the widows of our parish, who often find themselves in vulnerable and marginalized positions within society. Recognising the need to support these women, the cellorganised a program aimed at providing ration items to seven widows of our church to ensure their basic needs are met. The widows were called to the church and then essential items were distributed to them byDn. Vinod along with Women CellExecutives.

The provision of ration items for widows by the Women Cell marks a significant step towards empowering and supporting marginalized women of our parish. By addressing their basic needs, the program contributes to their overall well – being and improves their access to nutritious food.

This is the January activity executed by the Women Cell of St.John the Baptist Church, Lalarpura. The ration kits were contributed by the members of women cell.

Shiny James
Secretary
Women Cell St. John the Baptist Church, Lalarpura.

Awareness Session on POSH (GOAL 2) – Promoting Safety, Dignity and Respect

Introduction

Objectives of the Session

Key Points Covered

1. POSH Act – Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace

Interactive and Practical Approach

Creating a Culture of Safety and Respect

Participation and Response

Vote of Thanks

Conclusion

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

St. Xavier’s Parish Women cell
Activity of March 2024

St. John the Baptist Church Lalarpura Women Cell – March Activity

Report - St. Xavier Parish 2023 24

St. John the Baptist Church Lalarpura Women Cell – February Activity

St. John the Baptist Church Lalarpura Women Cell – January Activity

Awareness Session on POSH (GOAL 2) – Promoting Safety, Dignity and Respect

Introduction

Objectives of the Session

Key Points Covered

1. POSH Act – Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace

Interactive and Practical Approach

Creating a Culture of Safety and Respect

Participation and Response

Vote of Thanks

Conclusion

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

St. Xavier’s Parish Women cell Activity of March 2024

St. John the Baptist Church Lalarpura Women Cell – March Activity

Report - St. Xavier Parish 2023 24

St. John the Baptist Church Lalarpura Women Cell – February Activity

St. John the Baptist Church Lalarpura Women Cell – January Activity

St. Xavier’s Parish Women cell
Activity of March 2024