The Diocesan Women Commission of the Diocese of Karwar organized a one-day Training of Trainers (TOT) on POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences), POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment), Gender Sensitisation, and Gender-Based Violence on 26 June 2026. The programme was conducted under the guidance of Sr. Mabel Pinto, Secretary of the Diocesan Women Commission, with the objective of equipping deanery leaders to promote child protection, safe environments, gender justice, and women’s empowerment across the Diocese.

The training brought together 30 participants from the seven deaneries of the diocese, who were prepared to serve as resource persons and advocates within their respective communities.

The programme commenced with an inaugural address by Rev. Fr. Sebastian Fernandes, Director of PRATHIBODAYA, who stressed the importance of understanding the legal provisions of the POCSO and POSH Acts in today’s context. He encouraged participants to become agents of awareness and support, emphasizing the Church’s responsibility to safeguard children, uphold the dignity of women, and create safe and inclusive communities.

The training sessions were led by an experienced panel of resource persons comprising Dr. Anitha Frank and Mrs. Mercy Menezes from the Mangalore Diocese, along with Mrs. Jane Rodrigues from the Karwar Diocese, who shared their expertise through informative and interactive presentations.

Through engaging presentations, interactive discussions, and practical case studies, the resource persons explained the legal aspects of the POCSO and POSH Acts while highlighting the significance of gender sensitisation and addressing gender-based violence. They also clarified the distinction between gender equality, which promotes equal opportunities, and gender equity, which ensures fairness by addressing different needs and circumstances.

Participants appreciated the practical and informative nature of the training, expressing confidence that the knowledge gained would enable them to create greater awareness, respond appropriately to sensitive situations, and strengthen safeguarding initiatives within their deaneries.

The programme began with a warm welcome by Mrs. Perpeth Deepak Lopes, while Mrs. Perpeth Xavier Lopes proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the resource persons, participants, and organizers for making the training a meaningful and enriching experience.

The programme reaffirmed the Diocese of Karwar’s commitment to fostering safe environments, protecting the dignity of every individual, and promoting justice, equality, and compassion throughout the diocesan community.