25
Nov
2024
Combating sex trafficking in Ukraine
From 25 November to 10 December we mark 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, recognising the crucial work of CAFOD’s partners around the world to combat this often-hidden epidemic.
Women represent the majority of the world’s poor. Globally, they are less likely than men to be involved in decision making, to own land or property, or to have access to education, technology and employment. This is compounded by additional intersecting aspects of identity, such as disability, older age or race.
The 'shadow pandemic' of violence against women
Women and girls are disproportionately impacted by climate-related disasters and conflict, which reverse progress and solidify structural inequality. Violence against women is one of the most widespread abuses of human rights globally, affecting an estimated 1 in 3 women worldwide. Covid-19 has further exacerbated this violence, reinforcing harmful social norms and increasing risk factors such as early child marriage. The UN secretary general has termed it the 'shadow pandemic'.
A cross in the Swiss mountains.
Latest news on gender justice and inclusion
29
Sep
2024
The impact of Kenyan seed laws on women
CAFOD and our partner BIBA-Kenya recently conducted research into how Kenya’s 2012 seed law has impacted women, who constitute up to 80% of the country’s agricultural labour force.
31
Oct
2023
Defending housing rights in São Paulo
As we celebrate World Cities Day, find out how CAFOD's partner Semeando is helping some of the poorest families to access safe and affordable housing in São Paulo, Brazil.
09
Aug
2023
Afghanistan crisis update: Two years on from the Taliban’s takeover
Your generous contributions to the Afghanistan Crisis Appeal have helped thousands of women and men – your sisters and brothers – to access essentials such as food, water and shelter, as well as learn new vital life skills like reading and writing.
09
Aug
2023
Defending indigenous women’s rights in the Peruvian Amazon
We are supporting our local Church partner CAAAP (the Amazonian Centre for Anthropology and Practical Application) who are working alongside indigenous Amazonian women in Peru.
08
Mar
2023
International Women's Day: Defending women’s rights in Guatemala
Wednesday 8 March is International Women’s Day. In Guatemala, we are providing economic, health and psychological support to indigenous women.
14
Oct
2022
Valuing the role of rural women in providing food at a time of crisis
For World Food Day and the International Day of Rural Women, we celebrate women like Victoria for their strength and achievements in sustaining their households and communities.
09
Feb
2022
World Radio Day: The Peruvian podcasters saving lives over the airwaves
In Peru, indigenous women have taken the lead in broadcasting life-saving information to their communities in local languages.
What is CAFOD doing to change gender injustice?
Confronted with this reality, CAFOD is committed to identifying and challenging the systems, structures and social norms that discriminate against women, girls and excluded groups to bring about empowerment and transformative change, including gender justice.
Our vision is a world where diverse women and girls are safe and respected, and where women and men share equally in shaping their societies. We recognise that sustainable and effective development is only possible when exclusion is addressed, justice is realised and everyone is empowered to reach their full potential. Both women and men need to be part of the solution.
Alongside our partner organisations on the ground, and in collaboration with Caritas and other sector networks and allies, we work towards women’s empowerment and gender justice in many ways, including:
Taking action on violence against women: We work with like-minded organisations to speak out on violence against women and respond to the needs of women and girls experiencing gender-based violence. Our partners are providing medical help, offering safe spaces and counselling for survivors of violence. They are also ensuring joined-up services and response through local structures such as gender and peace networks or other aid agencies. We work with men on positive masculinity to challenge negative gender norms that perpetuate discrimination.
Challenging economic, political and social barriers which stop women and girls from reaching their full potential: Our partners are supporting women to access local markets, providing training and resources for business start-ups and sustainable agricultural practices.
Transforming unequal power relations between men and women: We do this by promoting women's voices, decision-making power and access to leadership roles in their communities though civic engagement and local governance for example. We look to support women-led local organisations where possible, recognising their unique contributions to this agenda.
Believe in Change toolkit
CAFOD’s Believe in Change toolkit is an inspirational guide for Catholic organisations and leaders to feel better equipped and confident to promote gender equality in their work using language, methods, values and theological reflections they can identify with.
The tool uses partner case studies from across the world describing challenges and achievements of their gender work with a focus on rural women. The toolkit works on four levels – individual, family, community, society – and allows partners to reflect on gender roles and change harmful practices through the 'pastoral cycle' of seeing, judging, acting and celebrating. These steps do not require outside experts, but rather build on individuals’ and groups’ own reflections of their convictions and practices in light of teachings found in the Bible.
Download CAFOD's Believe in Change toolkit
How we support the Global 16 Days Campaign
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual global campaign to raise awareness and galvanise action to end sexual and gender-based violence. The campaign starts on 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on 10 December, International Human Rights Day. The dates symbolically link violence against women and human rights, and emphasise that such violence is a violation of human rights. World Aids Day (1 December) also falls within the period of activism.
CAFOD supports the Global 16 Days Campaign by speaking out with like-minded organisations to raise awareness about gender-based violence, to share strategies and to demonstrate our solidarity with survivors.