(ANS - Rome) - Millions of little girls live their childhood dreaming of being Snow White, Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty - princesses of fairy tales, delicate and joyful, with long beautiful dresses and saved by a handsome prince. However, there are other children, girls and women in the world who do not dream of being princesses. They simply do not dream, because their reality is very different. They live a hard and difficult life.

The data on the situation of women in this century continue to be an alarm bell for the history of humanity. To be born a woman means, more than likely, to live in poverty. Out of every ten of the world's poor, seven are women. At least one in three women has been the victim of physical or sexual violence by a person close to her. 60 million children are not in school. 500 million women cannot read or write. About 50% of women worldwide do not have a paid job.

On 8 March we celebrate International Women's Day, another chance to remember the difficult reality faced by millions of women and girls around the world. Do not forget those little girls who cannot dream of being the princesses of fairy tales, but who have to strive hard to go to school and have the same opportunities as their brothers. The voice of Pope Francis was very clear when he spoke on behalf of women: "We need to do much more for women, if we want to strengthen the mutual relationship between men and women".

It should not be forgotten, however, that there are millions of women who live joyful lives as mothers, wives, life partners, workers, and consecrated persons. We remember them too and greet them as Pope Francis once again reminds us: "Women must have more say and should be better heard in the world and in the Church."

Our thoughts and a special prayer go to all the women members of the Salesian Family working in the world of youth.

Published 07/03/2016