Even as the Women's Reservation Bill in Parliament is still to see the light of day, the fair sex of India's Catholic community has much to cheer
A national gender policy was introduced by an apex body 10 days ago.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) has introduced the Gender Policy for Catholic Church in India.
It outlines 'adequate' representation for women in all parish bodies, barring ordained priesthood.
Participation includes encouraging women to lead prayer services, serve communion and lead small community groups, among other things.
CBCI spokesperson Fr Babu Joseph said the policy had taken root during a plenary meeting in 2008 and representation should "extend up to 50 per cent reservation and participation where there are capable female candidates".
"We found there were several instances of discrimination against allowing women to participate in decision-making within parish bodies across India," said Fr Joseph. "This was unfair and hence the policy has been introduced to include as many women to ensure gender equality in the Catholic church."
The change comes as a welcome move to female members in the archdiocese. Bandra doctor Astrid Lobo Gajiwala said decision-making powers must be given to women who have always been involved in working at the grassroots level.
"The document will be handy for women who face discrimination in asserting their rights, since it is sanctioned by the Catholic bodies," Gajiwala added.
However, are a bit guarded about the development. "The Church needs to begin with nuns, who constitute 80 per cent of the religious in the country," said Joseph Dias of the Catholic Secular Forum. "This group is found to be most vulnerable in terms of respect and taking care of their basic needs."
Also, use of the word 'adequate' was also debated. "In the meeting in 2008, there was talk of increasing reservation to 50 per cent. It's a little disappointing to see otherwise," said Gajiwala.
The CBCI, on its part, defends its position.
"We are encouraging participation up to 50 per cent, but in parishes where there aren't enough qualified women candidates, it shouldn't be that reservation is introduced as a rule where capable candidates get the miss," said Fr Joseph. | 
