On June 20, 2025, a groundbreaking initiative to safeguard women religious in India was launched during an online meeting attended by key stakeholders and experts in the field. The Safeguarding Religious Women India (SRWI)project marks a significant step forward in creating a culture of care, protection, and empowerment for women religious across the country.
Vision and Purpose: A Call for Change
The online session, led by Sr. Molly Mathew MHMSC, the Executive Director of the Conference of Religious Women India (CRWI), began with a prayer by Sr. Jancy Joseph, invoking divine guidance and protection for the project. Sr. Maria Nirmalini, the President of CRWI, during her keynote address, shared her commitment to transforming the environment for women religious, emphasizing the importance of education and awareness in safeguarding against abuse.
Her vision for SRWI aligns with her earlier keynote at the Gregorian University, where she discussed creating a culture of care and compassion. With a deep concern for the lack of understanding regarding consent in cases of abuse, she stressed the need for training and support, especially for women religious in vulnerable situations. She also acknowledged the challenges faced, such as addressing abuse and consent, and reiterated the importance of collaboration and education in achieving these goals.
The Advisory Board’s Support and Contributions
The meeting also featured introductions from members of the Advisory Board, who shared their wealth of experience in counseling, education, and safeguarding. This included Fr. Joye James, a Jesuit with over 20 years of experience in social work and counseling, Sr. Noella de Souza, an advocate for marginalized communities and sexual abuse survivors, and Sr. Anna Mary Thumma, a researcher focused on child protection.
Each board member brought their unique expertise to the table, underscoring the project's multifaceted approach to addressing the challenges women religious face in India.
Key Objectives and Activities of the SRWI Project
The SRWI project has ambitious goals, including training 80% of women religious on safeguarding policies and procedures by 2028. The project aims to achieve the following:
- Enhance safeguarding capacities among women religious.
- Reduce incidents of abuse by raising awareness and providing support.
- Strengthen support systems for abused women religious.
- Promote partnership, research, collaboration, and networking for a holistic approach to safeguarding.
The project will include a series of activities such as sensitization meetings, capacity-building workshops, diploma courses, and the development of educational materials. Additionally, the creation of online courses and helplines will provide continued support and education for women religious across India.
Comprehensive Support and Collaboration
As part of the SRWI's commitment to a long-term impact, the initiative will also focus on local grievance redressal cells and train-the-trainer programs. It will be implemented over three years.
The team will consist of a director, advisory board members, psychologists, IT officers, and regional coordinators. Together, they will work to reach 9,500 individuals and create a knowledge hub for safeguarding practices. Plans for a safeguarding and rehabilitation center are also on the horizon, reflecting the long-term vision for the initiative.
The Path Forward
The project's first steps include reaching out to regional CRI members and hiring 12 regional coordinators to facilitate training. These coordinators will play a key role in ensuring that the project’s impact reaches local communities effectively. By focusing on both online and in-person training opportunities, SRWI aims to engage over 350 participants initially, with the goal of continuous expansion.
The team also emphasized the importance of collaboration with various organizations and institutions to create safeguarding policies tailored to the needs of each congregation and institution.
A Visionary Leadership
As the project moves forward, Sr. Nirmalini expressed her unwavering support for the SRWI initiative. She remains committed to providing guidance and updates as the project progresses, reaffirming her dedication to the cause.
In her closing remarks, she thanked everyone involved for their invaluable contributions, with special thanks to Sr. Molly Mathew for organizing the event and moderating the discussion. The launch of SRWI represents not only a significant step towards safeguarding women religious but also a call for a more inclusive and compassionate future.
Mr. Jomit Mathew, Ms. Asha Albert & Mr. Abey Jose from CRWI were also present during the meeting.
Conclusion
The SRWI project marks a transformative moment for religious women in India, offering a comprehensive framework for protection, education, and empowerment. Through collaboration, education, and continued support, SRWI is set to foster a safer and more dignified environment for women religious across India.