Kerala bishops release gender policy

(September 7, 2009) The catholic Bishops of southern India’s Kerala state have charted an action plan to help ensure gender equality and women’s welfare within the Church and society. The gender policy that the Women’s Commission of the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) released on Saturday) aims violence-free homes and workplaces, equal participation of women in all social activities as well as change in the mindsets to promote gender justice. Bishop Varghese Chakkalakkal of Kannur, vice-chairman of the Women’s Commission, released the policy by giving a copy to Sr Lilly Francis Poovelil, executive secretary of the Women’s Commission of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI). The action plan would be implemented in the areas of education, church activities, politics, health, financial independence, science and technology and the tribal communities. The policy suggests that March 8 be observed as the International Women’s Day, September 8 as the Girl Child Day and November 25 as the Anti-Violence Day. The policy also include suggestions to ensure just wages for women employees and proper allowances for the women employed in Church-run institutions as well as equal pay for equal work and land and property rights for women. It calls on authorities in Church bodies to disqualify confirmed alcoholics, men who engage in domestic violence and extra-marital relationships. The policy recommends the be a forum to address violence against women and the girl children in households, work places and the Church-run organizations.