Empowered Khasi Women Transform Leadership Roles in India’s Catholic Church

Catholic women in Meghalaya, India, are breaking barriers and embracing leadership roles in the Church, aligning with Pope Francis' call for greater gender equality.

In the tranquil setting of a village church in Meghalaya, India, Senseful Dkhar, a dedicated 55-year-old educator, recently led a heartfelt prayer gathering just days before Christmas.

This region, where the vibrant Garo Hills transition into the picturesque West Khasi Hills, is predominantly home to the Indigenous Khasi community, known for its unique matrilineal social structure.

Traditionally, women in this culture have been the heart of family and resource management.

Yet, their participation in public life has often been limited.

Emergence of Women’s Leadership in the Church

That narrative is changing.

Khasi women, along with those from other regional backgrounds, are stepping into new roles within the Catholic Church.

They are now serving as catechists, guiding parish councils, and offering spiritual support, effectively reshaping their positions within ecclesiastical life.

Dkhar noted that the presence of women in religious functions has grown significantly, enabling them to assume leadership roles that have historically been the domain of men.

This shift resonates with Pope Francis’ dedication to enhancing women’s leadership within the Church.

Recently, he made strides in this direction by granting women voting rights at the Synod on Synodality and appointing a nun to oversee a department specializing in consecrated life.

Cultural Significance and Community Impact

Bishop Wilbert Marwein, who leads the Diocese of Nongstoin, highlighted the crucial role women play in reaching out to local communities and advocating for social justice.

He pointed out their active engagement in church initiatives, particularly in managing youth and social groups.

The Khasi tradition, which places women as central to clan identity, holds deep cultural significance.

Maternal uncles uphold the family’s honor, emphasizing the belief encapsulated in the saying, “Long jaitna ka kynthei,” which translates to “From the woman sprang the clan.” Historically, however, women faced exclusion from village governance.

This began to change in the late 19th century with the arrival of Christian missionaries, who introduced education and progressive ideals that empowered women.

Under Bishop Marwein’s guidance, women in the Nongstoin Diocese have formed a dynamic women’s commission with approximately 22,000 members, overseeing activities across 22 parishes in multiple villages.

A recent development involved a nun taking the reins of a social services group associated with 23 local congregations of nuns.

Women seeking roles in this commission undergo comprehensive religious training, immersing themselves in evangelization, worship, and community outreach.

Challenges and Future Aspirations

Despite facing geographical challenges and lacking infrastructure, these women remain undeterred.

For instance, a nurse from the diocese expressed a passionate desire to bring their messages to even the most isolated villages.

Their commitment extends to vital community issues, such as combating drug abuse, addressing early marriage, and supporting families during difficult times.

Their combined efforts have recently gained national praise, with the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India recognizing the women’s commission from Nongstoin for its commendable contributions to social work.

Nonetheless, challenges remain, particularly stemming from existing matrilineal norms and the insecurities some men harbor about women’s empowerment.

A Khasi historian pointed out that the growing visibility of women in public roles has elicited discomfort among some men who prefer maintaining traditional gender dynamics.

Tensions arise, especially between advocates of matrilineal customs and those pushing for patriarchal structures.

Some men are attempting to modify longstanding practices, leading to conflicts.

In response, the president of the women’s commission asserts that women’s leadership should be equally valued in decision-making, challenging the traditional male-dominated dynamics.

A priest from the diocese raised concerns about the potential effects of women assuming dominant roles, warning that it could upset the balance of responsibilities traditionally shared by men.

He emphasized the importance of preserving traditional Khasi rites, advocating for men to play protective roles in their communities.

In contrast, Bishop Marwein, who has witnessed women’s roles in various religious contexts, advocates for their leadership qualities, suggesting that they significantly benefit church activities and spiritual endeavors.

He believes that the Khasi tradition inherently supports women’s involvement, presenting an opportunity to leverage this in addressing contemporary gender issues.

With aspirations for greater gender equality in both religious and societal spheres, Dkhar hopes to collaborate with the bishop on initiatives to empower women further.

Despite the lack of formal representation in village councils, she believes that utilizing religious platforms can spark transformative changes in their communities.

Source: Religionnews

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Lauren Bauer

Lauren Bauer is a dedicated editor with a passion for Christian living and helping others grow in their faith. With a background in spiritual writing and content curation, she brings a unique blend of creativity and deep biblical understanding to her role. Lauren is committed to providing meaningful, faith-centered resources that inspire readers to live with purpose, grace, and joy. Her approach emphasizes practical application of biblical wisdom, aiming to support Christians in their daily walk with Christ. Through her work, she seeks to create a welcoming space where individuals can explore and deepen their spiritual journeys.