16 May 2025 | Mangalore, India

In a forward-looking exchange focused on strengthening women’s empowerment and youth leadership, Mr. Roshan Melwyn Lobo, Secretary General of the International Young Catholic Students (IYCS), met with Rev. Sr. Lidwin Fernandes, UFS, Executive Secretary of the Commission for Women of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI).

The CCBI Women’s Commission has been at the forefront of addressing systemic challenges faced by women across India. Through its grassroots network in parishes, dioceses, and regions, the Commission advocates for education, leadership, and the fundamental rights and dignity of women and girls, particularly those marginalized by socio-economic and cultural barriers.

During the meeting, both parties explored avenues for collaboration, focusing on leadership formation, advocacy for human dignity, and the role of youth in transforming unjust societal structures. Recognizing the alignment of their missions, the conversation highlighted how IYCS’s international presence can complement the Commission’s local initiatives—enabling shared efforts to inspire change both nationally and globally.

The potential for this partnership lies in enhancing IYCS’s capacity to influence policy, initiate international campaigns, and mobilize youth across continents around critical issues such as gender equality, ethical technology, and inclusive governance.

Sr. Lidwin welcomed this opportunity for deeper engagement, noting that such collaborations can amplify voices from the grassroots onto international platforms, empowering women to become agents of change in both Church and society.

This meeting, held on 16 May 2025, marks a pivotal step toward a shared vision of building a just, inclusive, and compassionate world—where the empowerment of women is not only a local mission but a global responsibility.