Guwahati, May 9, 2026
Holistic women’s empowerment rooted in dignity, and active participation in society took centre stage during the IV Northeast India Women’s Conference held at NEDSSS, Guwahati, on May 9, where women delegates from across the region reflected on their role in family, Church, and society
During the afternoon session on “Holistic Approaches to Women’s Development and Empowerment,” Sister Pramila Lobo UFS, a social worker, advocate, and educationist, called on women to embrace their God-given dignity and become catalysts of transformation in their communities.
“Women are not secondary but equal in dignity,” Sister Pramila said, grounding her reflection in Scripture and emphasising that empowerment is not merely social or economic but deeply spiritual.
“Empowerment is a journey, not a one-time event. It is rooted in dignity and responsibility.”
Addressing women from the Northeast region, she outlined seven dimensions of holistic empowerment: social, economic, intellectual, educational, psychological, cultural, and spiritual empowerment.
She stressed that true empowerment cannot happen in isolation but through an integrated approach that nurtures the whole person — body, mind, and spirit.
Highlighting the realities faced by women in Northeast India, she acknowledged their strong presence in Church life, agriculture, markets, and family structures, while pointing to persistent challenges such as limited participation in decision-making, economic vulnerability, and emotional burdens.
“An empowered woman transforms not only her own life but also her family, Church, and society,” she said.
“When you empower another person, you do not lose power — you multiply it.”
Sister Lobo encouraged women to strengthen leadership roles in parishes and society, pursue education beyond certificates, and become financially informed and independent.
She also urged mothers to remain attentive to their children’s wellbeing, particularly amid rising concerns about trafficking, migration, and social pressures affecting young people in the region.
Emphasising spiritual empowerment as central to women’s formation, she called upon participants to deepen family prayer and strengthen their relationship with Christ.
“The Northeast Church remains vibrant because of women,” she said.
“If women remain rooted in Christ, families become stronger, communities become better, and society becomes more compassionate.”
Drawing inspiration from biblical women such as Esther, Ruth, Mary, and Mary Magdalene, she encouraged participants to become courageous leaders, peace-builders, and witnesses of in daily life.
The session concluded with a call for women to return to their dioceses as agents of change, empowering others through service, compassion, and collective responsibility.