Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Madrid (Agenzia Fides) - On 8 March each year, in many countries, International Women's Day is celebrated. Various initiatives will be held for the advancement of women, important pillar and principle protagonist regarding the development in the countries of the South. There will be complaints due to large gender disparities which still exist in many countries in the world where women continue to be victims of injustice, violence and inequality both within the family and at work. There are millions of those who continue to live in extreme poverty. On the occasion of this anniversary, the Spanish Catholic organization Manos Unidas, which in 2011 had already approved 70 projects, will continue to support projects for the advancement of women. Among the various initiatives, in Southern Sudan the Catholic Radio Network Sudan, coordinated by the Comboni Missionaries, who have the support of the local government, aims to promote values of peaceful coexistence between men and women in a country ravaged by decades of war. It is a tool for information, education and entertainment that gives voice to women. Radio Good News Radio Network broadcasts from Rumbek, offering local information and general cultural and educational programs, plus the opportunity to freely express one’s own opinion. Radio Good News is committed to reaching thousands of women who live in the region cut off not only because of poverty but also because they neither read nor write. There are 52 weekly programs, targeted to these marginalized women, in the course of which they may describe problems and concerns. It is estimated that there at least 400 will be interviewed. We discuss the problems they face every day, the inequality in work and in family, early marriage, forced marriage, polygamy, discrimination, education of girls and others related to their role in armed conflicts. According to data released by the Government of Southern Sudan, in 2011, 80% of Sudanese women were illiterate, the country has also a high rate of maternal mortality and gender violence. 13 or 14-year-old girls are forced to marry without giving them any opportunity to access education or employment. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 06/03/2012)
