International Women’s Day: UK Catholic Charity Reviews Women Support Initiatives in West Africa, South Sudan

“Up to 65 percent of women have experienced either sexual or physical violence in their lifetime – double the global average and among the highest levels in the world,” CAFOD says, adding that “Women’s organizations work under a humanitarian coordination system, mostly led by UN agencies and international organizations.”

Together with other partners, CAFOD says, “We have supported WfC to co-chair the United Nations (UN) humanitarian coordination system on GBV – a role usually occupied by the UN and international organizations.”

In the report, WfC director says that taking the coordination role has been one of the most interesting projects that the organization working on women’s rights and empowerment has ever implemented.

Anna Tazita Samuel goes on to reflect on the poor current status of women in her home country’s humanitarian sector, saying, “We need to take this space and change the narrative.”

In East and West Africa, the UK Catholic agency says, “We support the Bishops’ conferences to recognize 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,” CAFOD says, and adds, “Here, they shared and listened to concerns and experiences of women and placed a spotlight on gender equality within the Church.”

In addition to addressing gender-based violence (GBV), CAFOD also explores the link between social exclusion and environmental crises, emphasizing the vital need to safeguard women's safety in these contexts.

“We believe that a better world needs all of us and that individuals should flourish in harmony with themselves, others and the environment,” the UK Catholic agency says.

The entity adds, “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.”

IWD, which serves as a call to action to accelerate gender parity, is a global occasion that celebrates women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. Across the world, individuals and organizations mark the day with events that honor women's contributions and advocate for gender equality.