EQUALITY FOR RIGHTS THROUGH SERVICE AND MISSION

International Women’s Day (IWD) will be celebrated on Monday, 8 March 2021 with the theme – “Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 World.” The theme for IWD invites all women throughout the world to make every effort in shaping a more equal future, amidst recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. IWD is a day initiated with the motivation to “end harmful workplace conditions, promote equal rights and equal pay as well as end exploitation.” This goal is still in progress, and IWD is celebrated to acknowledge the power of women in society, politics and the economy.

Photo: 2018

Once a year we celebrate IWD to bring awareness towards gender equality and human rights, and encourage moving forward more fervently until we achieve complete equality. It is a challenge faced by all women - individuals as well organisations - to strive for a society and nation without prejudice or discord towards gender equality.

 

In 1908, a total of 15000 women marched the streets of New York City demanding reasonable working hours, equal pay and the right to vote. A year later, the Socialist Party of America declared the first National Women’s Day. IWD is a wonderful way for women to be re-inspired, re-energised and reaffirmed that they are not alone in this battle of discrimination, harassment, inequality and oppression - as there are millions of women across the country and the world who are fighting against injustices and discrimination.

 

Since 1908, the colours purple, green and white were used to symbolise women’s equality. Purple symbolises justice and dignity, green, symbolises hope while white, symbolises purity. Today, purple is the colour of IWD, combined with green which represents the feminist movement.

 

This year the highlights of IWD are a little unique because it invites women to work towards an equal future of combating the deadly Coronavirus. In this challenged COVID-19 world, every nation and individual are “responsible for our own thoughts and actions.” Recent data from UN Women (an entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women) has revealed that “the Coronavirus Pandemic could wipe out 25 years of increasing gender equality” as during this pandemic, more women find themselves solely involved in domestic chores and family care. In several cities and countries, women’s rights are deteriorating and violent threats against women are increasing. Despite all these, every woman must move with courage and determination to fight against the Coronavirus crisis.

 

In our Parish, women are actively involved in the Catechetical Ministry and Parish Integral of Human Development Ministry (PIHDM) namely the Ministry of the Poor, EduCare Ministry, Eagle’s Wing Ministry (Differently Abled) and the Women’s Ministry itself. Their tireless dedication and unceasing willingness to assist and participate in the various activities of the Parish is commendable. Even during the pandemic, they continued with activities and outreach from their homes. Many volunteers their time to be physically present in Church to help with the distribution of food, groceries, clothes and other essentials for the needy. St Joseph’s Church continuously invites and encourages our women Parishioners to participate in the various ministries, as we carry out the mission of our Parish together. 

 

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY!

Photo: 2018