SHILLONG:
The School of Theology and Religious Studies and Centre for GENDER, Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU), on March 14, organised a seminar on the theme “Gender Inclusivity: Embracing the Differences”.
The seminar intended to gain insights from various perspectives to understand the purpose of each individual as being wonderfully created in the image of God, to learn from the lived experience of communities and make efforts to create a society where every individual can live with dignity, a society where every being can grow independently in communion with others.
Lastly the seminar also aimed at understanding the current laws related to gender rights.
The seminar started with Rev. Dr. Samuel W. Meshack, Dean, School of Theology and Religious Studies, MLCU introducing the purpose of the seminar with a focus on how the social structure needs to change. Dr. R. Jennifer War, Head, Centre for GENDER and Dean, Academics, MLCU informed about the recommendations of the MLCU position statement on gender inclusivity.
Advocate Rebina Subba, Founding Director, Shamakami spoke at length on the rights of transgenders and the provisions available under the ambit of the law.
Samanda Phanwar, Project Manager, Lamjingshai shared her lived experience of working with and for the community members.
Stefani, a community member, shared her challenges and discrimination faced. Yimsurenla B. Walling, a research scholar spoke about building an inclusive community amidst social stigma.
The key resource person, Fr. Thomas Ninan, Executive Secretary of Christian Service Agency, the service wing of the National Council of Churches in India elaborated on the Biblical and Theological aspect of gender diversity.
The seminar concluded with a presentation by Ms. Rinshim Vashi, Department of Theology, MLCU on collective consciousness: journey towards emancipation for all. The participants of the seminar were faculty and students of John Roberts Theological College, Tangkhul Baptist Church Youth Society and Martin Luther Christian University.