Goa Gathering Empowers Migrant and Indigenous Women through Faith, Rights and Community

A community gathering in western India’s coastal state of Goa brought together around 400 migrant and Indigenous women for a day of spiritual reflection, legal awareness and sports on August 30.

Organized by Kiran Niketan Social Centre (KNSC), Birla, Zuari Nagar, under the leadership of Directress Sr. Jeryssa Pereira and Sr. Lourenca Marques, in collaboration with Goa Jesuit Social Action, the event was held at Our Lady of Succour and Good Success Church and the St. Joseph Convent High School ground in Nagoa-Verna.

KNSC has worked for the welfare of migrant communities in Goa for four decades. Organizers said the gathering was the center’s first initiative to bring migrant and Adivasi families together on such a scale.

The day began with a Eucharistic celebration at the church, presided over by Fr. Joseph Nazareth, SJ. The Verna community group led the congregation in hymns.

In his homily, Fr. Nazareth reflected on the realities faced by migrant and indigenous communities, encouraging participants to listen attentively to God’s Word and remain faithful amid life’s difficulties. Drawing on the Gospel and the example of St. Monica’s perseverance in prayer for her son, St. Augustine, he highlighted sacrifice, resilience, courage, service and humility as virtues that strengthen families and communities.

A legal awareness session followed, led by Adv. Sayonara Telles-Laad, former District and Sessions Judge and founder and president of Beyond Barriers – Towards Hope. She explained key legal rights, access to free legal aid, child protection provisions under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and procedures of children’s courts. She also addressed the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) framework for workplaces.

The afternoon featured a women’s throwball tournament at the St. Joseph Convent High School ground. Seven teams representing migrant and indigenous communities from Velsao, Verna, Sancoale, Consua, Cansaulim, Panjim and Dona Paula, along with the Holy Family Sisters, participated.

The Velsao group won the throwball tournament, with Verna as runner-up. Sancoale won the tiebreaker, while the Holy Family Sisters finished as runners-up.

Sr. Berna Rodrigues, SFN, Superior General of the Holy Family Sisters, Fr. Nazareth and other guests witnessed the matches and encouraged the participants.

The initiative provided migrant and indigenous women, who contribute significantly to Goa’s workforce and society, with opportunities for spiritual growth, legal education, recreation and community solidarity.