(ANS – Madrid) – For International Women's Day, to be celebrated tomorrow, 8 March, the Salesian Mission office in Madrid is inviting governments and international organisations to continue the struggle against inequality affecting women, especially in poor countries.

Being born a woman, even in 2013,  means having greater probability of living in circumstances of poverty, being marginalised and seeing one's basic rights violated. More than 500 million women are illiterate; more than 40 million girls do not attend school; half a million women die annually during pregnancy or childbirth; very many women are affected by AIDS; women make up just 10% of world human resources, but contribute two thirds of working hours... These figures are still far from the Declaration of the struggle against discrimination and gender inequality signed in 1995, at the World Women's Conference in Beijing.

The role of women is fundamental for the development of peoples and the struggle against poverty. The Madrid Mission Office says that education of women and girls is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. A girl who goes to school will marry later and will have children when she knows how to look after them, will have improved hygiene and will feed the family better, will be part of decision-making and will know her rights and duties as a citizen. Education of girls, support for girls who live on the streets, female literacy, maternity, activities and conferences to make women aware of their rights, education of women as leaders in local communities... these are some of the activities pursued by Salesian Missions.

For the Madrid Mission Office, education of women and girls is essential for promoting their autonomy and ensuring they can have their own voice. To educate a woman is to educate a people.

Published 07/03/2013