Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: A strong call to action has been issued by the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, asking the society to change its perspective on the girl child.
The Church emphasized the need for cultural transformation in the way that girls and women are treated in its pastoral bulletin Renovacao. Fr. Aleixo Menezes’ editorial highlights the difficulties girls encounter and provides a solution by introducing the idea of “synodality,” which is defined as “walking together.”
Despite numerous laws and measures, the editorial criticizes the state of affairs for girls in India today. It calls the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act of 2003 a “toothless tiger,” the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme outmoded, and the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act of 2003 ineffectual in stopping the falling female sex ratio.
Fr. Menezes draws attention to troubling data that highlights the ongoing difficulties. Although there has been a little change, India’s sex ratio still suggests that male children are preferred.
He noted that the desire for at least one male child is still common, even among Catholics. The author openly admits that, despite data indicating that girls frequently outperform males in the classroom and are more likely to take care of aging parents, some moms nevertheless regard having a son as a blessing.
Three major mentalities are called for by the bulletin: equality, treatment, and listening. Girls should be regarded as equal participants in the family from birth, with equal access to food, education, and socialization, according to Fr. Menezes. He recognizes that although girls may possess distinct strengths from boys, they are nevertheless as valuable.
Additionally, the editorial discusses the increase in crimes against women. It reports that 4,45,256 cases of crimes against women were registered in 2022, up 4% from 2021, citing data from the National Crime Records Bureau. Fr. Menezes calls for a change from a “animal mentality” to a “rational mentality,” rejecting the notion that women are to blame for the harassment they experience.
The bulletin’s message touches on wider socioeconomic challenges that go beyond the Catholic community. It highlights the disconnect between education and deeply ingrained societal traditions that support gender inequality and criticizes the dowry system, known as “dot/dennem” in Goa.
Fr. Menezes issues a final demand for reform, saying that “girl children themselves should take up the Synodal Path if the government, religious bodies, and social activists cannot empower the girl child.” To accomplish the objective of respect, this entails walking in communion and cooperation, listening to one another, and making decisions as a group.
