That the dignity and worth of women be recognized in every culture… that discrimination ends. (Pope Francis)

For the role of women: Holy Father's Prayer Intention for the month of April

Dear friends,

This month, Pope Francis has invited us to pray “for the role of women” a gift that we cannot miss at WUCWO, joining our voices in prayer on a topic that concerns us all. “Let us not deny women a voice [...] Let us respect women,” the Pope reminds us. This message also calls us women to respect one another, to listen to one another, to marvel at the qualities of our fellow women, to learn from them and, above all, to walk the path of prayer together, praying for one another and always keeping our eyes on those who suffer the most. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMUs5H_pVFU

As the Holy Father says: In many parts of the world, women are treated like the first thing to get rid of.

There are countries where women are forbidden to access aid, open a business, or go to school. In these places, they are subject to laws that make them dress a certain way. And in many countries, genital mutilation is still practiced.

Let us not deprive women of their voice. Let us not rob all these abused women of their voice. They are exploited, marginalized.

In theory, we all agree that men and women have the same dignity as persons. But this does not play out in practice.

Governments need to commit to eliminate discriminatory laws everywhere and to work toward guaranteeing women’s human rights.

Let us respect women. Let us respect their dignity, their basic rights. And if we don’t, our society will not progress.

Let us pray that the dignity and worth of women be recognized in every culture, and for an end to the discrimination they face in various parts of the world”.

Undoubtedly, WUCWO resonates particularly with the Holy Father's call not to deny women their voice and to seek respect for them and recognition of their dignity and richness in all cultures. Our mission, our magazine, “Women's Voice”, our World Women's Observatory (WWO) and the resolutions that define our path every four years are clear proof that we are on the right track. However, reality tells us that we need to accelerate our pace, commit ourselves more deeply and intensify our prayer. 

I invite you to watch and promote this wonderful video and use it as a tool for personal and group reflection. I also encourage you to redouble your efforts to reverse the current situation. There is a great distance between declarations of principle and the reality of the facts. As the Holy Father says: “In theory we all agree that men and women have the same dignity as persons. But this does not play out in practice”.

Let's get to work! We must change this and achieve, in the future, that all women are effectively respected in their dignity as persons and that any discrimination against them is ended. Trusting in the unconditional help of Jesus and Mary, let us walk together with enthusiasm, with joy and with the hope of achieving this great dream soon.

Mónica Santamarina

WUCWO President General