ASIA/INDIA - The Franciscan Indians in the front line against violence on women

Tuesday, 14 October 2014

New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - "We Franciscans, known for the charism of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, the followers of Christ and his Gospel, lovers of God, of humanity and of every creature, say 'No' to violence against women, and we are committed to helping the growth and development of girls": This is what is said in the appeal launched by the "Association of Franciscan Families of India"(AFFI), which brings together all the male and female religious congregations and Indian lay associations that are inspired by Francis of Assisi. "Remembering with pain the terrible violence against women present in the country, as Franciscans in India, we appeal to all our educational and charity institutes to focus on the well-being of girls through concrete actions", says the appeal sent to Fides and signed by Fr. A.J. Mathew OFM.Cap, President of AFFI.
The Indian Franciscans, present in 165 provinces, recalls the text, contribute to the welfare of society through hundreds of schools, universities, medical institutions and social works scattered throughout the country, especially for the benefit of the poor, the oppressed, the marginalized .
Violence against women has reached an intolerable level in the country, as is clear from official data reported in the statement sent to Fides: one out of five girls in India suffer physical violence before the age of 15; 4.5% of girls between 15 and 19 years of age are forced to endure sexual intercourse; 34% of adolescents suffer physical violence; 92 women are raped every day in India; 91% of Indian women suffer sexual harassment in the course of life.
The Franciscans, in the face of this alarming scenario, proclaim "the dignity of every child and young girl in the family and in society" and are committed to ensuring "the literacy of children particularly in rural areas and slums, tribal groups and dalit girls". AFFI network intends to organize special seminars and workshops on the protection and promotion of women and set up a working group to monitor the sound education of the girls in society, at every level by promoting campaigns against violence on women. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 14/10/2014)


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