SIROC condemns harmful practices against women, girls

The Sisters of the Rosy Cross (SIROC) has called for an end to harmful practices against women and girls, and stop merely being aware of children with disabilities without including them.

The call is contained in a communique issued at the end of the 25th Anniversary Conference of SIROC held at Rosicrucian Park, Calabar, under the theme "Championing Rosicrucian Legacies and Building Intentional Sisterhood."

The Sorores said the dignity of women and the future of children with disabilities cannot wait for another 25 years.

SIROC condemned in strong terms harmful cultural and social practices that expose women to discrimination, abuse, exploitation and unequal treatment.

The conference recognised the importance of protecting the dignity, rights and freedom of women and girls, and reaffirmed that women must be empowered to realise their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.

Participants were urged to promote education, economic empowerment, public enlightenment and community-based interventions, while upholding equality, tolerance and universal human dignity.

The message, the communique said, is that sisterhood must be intentional: to defend, to protect, and to speak when a woman's light is being dimmed by harmful tradition.

"Every Soror's light can shine brightly without extinguishing the light of another," it stated.

Sorores were charged to reject unhealthy competition, jealousy, division and rivalry, and instead practise love, mutual respect, tolerance, understanding, confidentiality, emotional support and practical assistance.

The conference's stand on children with disabilities was shaped by the lecture, "Beyond Awareness: Building an Inclusive Future for Children with Disabilities."

SIROC said society must move beyond slogans and sympathy to a future where children with disabilities enjoy equal opportunities, dignity, safety and meaningful participation.

Participants were encouraged to promote awareness, support inclusive education, challenge discrimination and advocate for accessible environments.

"Awareness must translate into practical commitment and action," the communique declared.

The conference stressed that inclusion is not charity, it is justice, and that every child, regardless of disability, deserves to learn, to belong, and to be seen.

SIROC said its teachings must be seen in works.

During the conference, members carried out humanitarian outreach to the Obong of Calabar and the Elderly People's Home at Marian Hill, extending love, compassion and support to the elderly, children and persons living with disabilities.

The conference encouraged Sorores to translate Rosicrucian teachings into practical acts of kindness and service within their communities.

SIROC linked protection to economic power.

At its Annual General Meeting, members adopted and approved the establishment of the SIROC Multipurpose Cooperative Society to promote financial empowerment, mutual assistance and collective development.

Sr. Rose Ukam and Sr. Margaret Ovanlon were designated to lead the initiative and facilitate its establishment and registration.

The conference said an economically empowered woman is better positioned to resist abuse, support her family and lift other women.

It also celebrated the founding mother, the Grand Lodge Matriarch, whose foresight gave birth to SIROC in October 2001, and charged members to preserve the legacy for the 50th Anniversary in 2051.

It emphasised mentorship and leadership development for younger members, acknowledged the proposed constitutional review to be chaired by Sr. Prof. Margaret Nwachukwu, and welcomed the resumption of counselling sessions in February 2027.

The conference closed on Sunday, 1st November 2026, with a special mystical session at 7:00 a.m. facilitated by the Most Worthy Grand Master, Fr. Eugene Idiodi.

"We must not only inherit a legacy; we must strengthen it, protect it and pass it on with greater value," the communique said.

"Let our sisterhood be intentional, our service meaningful, our leadership exemplary and our lights mutually illuminating.