Eva Colque, Director of our partner Fundacion Nuna, showing seeds produced by indigenous women in Bolivia.
Why does CAFOD celebrate International Women’s Day?
At CAFOD, we believe a better world is possible – a world where women’s contributions are valued, where women live free from fear of violence, and where women experience equal opportunities to participate, lead and flourish. International Women’s Day allows us to reflect on and renew our commitment to tackling inequality.
How is CAFOD working towards gender justice?
1. Supporting women’s leadership in the Church
Women’s roles and contributions in the Church have historically been undervalued, the opportunities for leadership and decision-making limited. CAFOD works with Church partners and leaders to bring an end to discrimination of women, girls and other excluded groups. We support their work within their communities, strengthen their skills and leadership, and support men and boys to recognise women’s contributions and rights within the family, the community and the Church.
In East and West Africa, we support the bishops’ conferences to recognise and support women as critical players in social, civic and political participation. We recently established a platform for religious women to collaborate with bishops in East Africa. Here, they shared and listened to concerns and experiences of women and placed a spotlight on gender equality within the Church.
In Latin America, we support the regional Church leaders to agree ways to promote a greater role for women’s leadership in the Church. We’re raising awareness about their exclusion and pushing for equality between men and women. Our partner Amerindia, a network of theologians, have helped religious leaders in the Synod ensure women’s leadership and participation remains on the agenda.
“We need to make women’s contributions to the Church more visible now. Women have historically been the ones who have sustained and driven a commitment not only to the poor, but also the most vulnerable.”
2. Partnering with women-led and women’s rights organisations
CAFOD champions women’s organisations and humanitarian workers responding to gender-based violence (GBV). We’re empowering women economically and politically. We provide sustainable funding and support advocacy to change laws, policies and harmful practices.
In South Sudan, conflict and displacement intensify GBV. Up to 65 per cent of women have experienced either sexual or physical violence in their lifetime – double the global average and among the highest levels in the world. Women’s organisations work under a humanitarian coordination system, mostly led by UN agencies and international organisations.
CAFOD supports Women for Change (WfC) in South Sudan, an organisation working on women’s rights and empowerment. Alongside Trocaire, we have supported WfC to co-chair the United Nations (UN) humanitarian coordination system on GBV – a role usually occupied by UN and international organisations.
Taking the coordination role has been one of the most interesting projects that WfC has ever implemented,” says Anna Tazita Samuel, WfC director. Reflecting on the poor current status of women in her home country’s humanitarian sector, she adds: “We need to take this space and change the narrative."
3. Responding to women and girls’ needs and safety
From water and sanitation projects in Sudan to agriculture projects in Sri Lanka, all of our work meets high standards that ensure those who participate are safe from harm, have equal access to aid and have their dignity respected.
Women’s needs are analysed when considering the risks of starting in an activity; they participate as active agents throughout design, implementation and evaluation of projects. We ensure we identify not just their needs as women, but also those linked to other characteristics such as race, disability or age.
In Brazil, our partner Semeando fights homelessness, gender and racial discrimination in São Paulo, where the poorest – particularly black and indigenous women – experience exclusion.
Often, their only option is unsafe housing with no access to water or sanitation, or homelessness – all leading to potential violence and dangers from environmental risks such as flooding and storms.
We work with Semeando to repurpose abandoned buildings in the city centre, transforming them into safe, dignified and affordable housing, while building up the leadership skills of the women involved, many of whom have survived GBV. We have supported thousands of women and their families with safe, legal and dignified housing.
Residents in the repurposed E. Soares building, where the wall displays Semeando’s motto: “No woman without a house”
4. Supporting women’s rights and caring for Our Common Home
At CAFOD, we know that social exclusion and environmental crises are deeply interconnected. We believe that a better world needs all of us and that individuals should flourish in harmony with themselves, others and the environment.
When we promote women’s safety, rights and voices, we also respond to other forms of injustices and needs. We work with women, their families and communities, as well as the social and political systems they live in, to achieve systemic and sustainable change.
Monira worked overseas as a domestic worker
In Bangladesh, thousands have migrated abroad to seek a better life for themselves and their families. They face exploitation and violence. Many, like Ralia (photo above), return home empty handed, haunted by their trauma and unable to seek justice.
CAFOD supports OKUP, a grassroots migrant-led organisation to support migrant women since 2016. Our research found that 60 per cent of Bangladeshi women migrants faced abuse, torture and exploitation. We work with OKUP to provide these women with psychosocial support; we seek to find them a way to return home; we provide shelter, medical services, livelihood opportunities and legal aid.
This has helped women increase their income, improved their quality of life and reduced the likelihood of migrating in the future.
Lipi Akter, a returnee noted: “Coming here and meeting many other returnee women […] has shifted my perspective. I don’t feel lonely and powerless anymore. I’ve decided not to let others dictate my life. I’m ready to start anew.”
How can you support CAFOD in their work to protect and empower women and girls globally?
This International Women’s Day, explore a handpicked collection of ethically sourced World Gifts that honour the strength, resilience and creativity of women. Every gift supports CAFOD’s vital work advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls around the world.