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The Roman Catholic Diocese of Middlesbrough

Women's Commission

'And I hope in God that women in time to come will do much'

Mary Ward 1585 - 1645

News What is it for? What does it do? Who is it for? Contacts Links

News

Prevent and Protect

Women's Commission Day

A day for the Women's Commission, led by Kirsten Demangeot of SECOS

A gathering of the Women's Commission at English Martyrs, York, on 14 October heard Kirsten Demangeot of SECOS (Sexual Exploitation of Children on the Streets), a Barnardo's project, speak about the ways in which vulnerable young people drift or are lured into prostitution, and the difficulties of escaping from their situation. SECOS aims to help children out of prostitution by providing appropriate intervention, support and motivation, in conjunction with other agencies. It also has a programme of prevention, which is presented in schools, youth clubs, etc.

The day ended with a short DVD showing the ease with which young people can be trapped in prostitution. These are not adults making free choices about their lives, but children, some as young as 11, without the necessary experience or support to avoid being exploited by unscrupulous adults for money. This is an issue that challenges us as Christians.

What is it for?

The Women's Commission exists as a sign and a model of the Church's commitment to the full participation of women in the life of the Church and Society. In a spirit of prayer it seeks to affirm and encourage women in discovering their gifts, and to explore ways whereby these gifts may be more fully used in the service of the Church and the wider community.

What does it do?

The Commission has three main roles:

To provide a forum where women can meet to share experiences, listen to and encourage each other

To act as a two way channel of communication between women of the diocese

To be a resource both for women and the diocese

Who is it for?

The Commission is open to all women in the Diocese who support its aims and constitution Three or four meetings a year are held in different areas of our diocese. All women are welcome to take part in these, and in working parties and other activities of the Commission.

Contacts

Chairperson Kath Power

Area Contacts:

Middlesbrough Catherine Rowland Tel: 01642 813522

York Pamela Ellis Tel: 01904 793391

Scarborough Sr. Agnes O'Shea Tel: 01723 584255

Whitby and Eskdale Alison Pattinson Tel: 01287 660298

Hull Sr. Anna Hawke Tel: 01482 374396

Richmond and Dales Rebecca O'Meara Tel: 01748 825418

Links

The National Board of Catholic Women