Horizons magazine is published by Presbyterian Women (PW) the national women’s organization of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Issue link: http://horizons.epubxp.com/i/623149
12 Women and girls in India live in a precarious position for human traf- ficking: they receive less education, l ower wages and less care than their m ale peers. Labor and sex trafficking are both significant problems in India. Between 20 and 65 million citizens of India are held in debt bondage; those in bondage are largely from marginal- ized groups like people of lower castes and women. 6 Researchers say that millions of women and girls are vic- tims of sex trafficking. 7 While India has taken steps to end trafficking, it still is classified as a Tier 2 country that needs additional resources directed toward the issue. 8 Women in the Church The World Council of Churches invited its members to observe 2001 until 2011 as the Decade to Over- come Violence. Part of the aim was to recognize our common humanity and to live out a commitment to the unity of all God's people and to the ministry of reconciliation. This observance had particular meaning for women, especially in light of the systemic, physical and emotional violence they endure throughout the world. I n its 45-year history, the Church o f North India (CNI) has not seen a woman office bearer. Beyond offices, nor has the CNI had a woman bishop, despite many highly qualified and theologically trained women in the church. To varying degrees, many churches in India have recognized women's gifts and welcomed them into their mainstream ministries. And, while CNI's Women's Fellowship for Christian Service enjoys the inde- pendence of operating under its own constitution, the president and secre- tary of the Women's Fellowship have no say in the affairs of the highest body of the Church of North India. The Church Responds The church long has been a silent witness to violence against women. If the church believes in the equality of all of God's children, it has to become a transformed and transforming community of women and men. The Church of North India and its Women's Fellowship are doing just t hat; they are working toward whole- n ess for all. The Church of North India has prescribed that at the pastorate, dio- cese and synod levels, women should hold at least 33 percent of the com- mittee seats. As with so many social justice issues, it is the church setting the example, and the rest of society following. While India has not passed the Women's Reservation Bill that would ensure that women hold 33 percent of seats in government assem- blies, CNI may be a role model for that to happen. The Women's Fellowship and Church of North India have started self-help groups that offer training for women that will allow them to be eco- nomically independent. This self-suf- ficiency will help women build their self-esteem and identity. The Women's Fellowship and CNI also have started campaigns to respond to human trafficking. Their work Presbyterian Women visited India during the 2011 Global Exchange. Participants identified two projects doing particularly vital work for women. Financially support these projects by mailing a check made payable to Presbyterian Women to PW Remittance Processing, PO Box 643652, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3652. Include the number listed with the project name below on the memo line of your check. Presbyterian Church of India (PCI) Women's Development Fund PW000008 Without opportunity for traditional education, women in northeast India who are impoverished or widowed have limited, even dismal life choices. The Jingiaseng Kynthei Tailoring and Weaving Training Center, established and operated by women in Ri Bhoi Synod of the PCI, offers instruction to women in sewing and weaving—skills that allow them to make a living. Arunima AIDS Hospice PW000009 A ministry of the Diocese of Kolkata in the Church of North India (CNI), the Arunima AIDS Hospice provides holistic care for individuals living with HIV. In addition to health care, the hospice offers educational programs and proper nutrition for residents and their families. Most of the residents have been sex workers whose shops where closed down. All are homeless and many go to Arunima with their children for help. Learn more about PW's Global Exchange to India by ordering the issue of Horizons dedicated to the trip. Order item HZN12200 from Presbyterian Distribution Service, 800/524-2612; $4 plus shipping. Here's What You Can Do T