Women

In this era of digital development, it’s not easy to minimize the status quo phenomenon of patriarchal culture in the Indonesian society, especially in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The patriarchal culture in that province places women as second class and causes many unresolved injustices in the society. One of the various examples of injustice due to patriarchy that needs to be highlighted in this Province is the case of sexual harassment and human trafficking of women and children.

International Women's Day is an annual celebration to acknowledge women’s social, political, economical and cultural achievements. On 8th March 2022, this year’s celebration promotes the theme of “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow.” This theme carries a lot of hope and optimism for a just and inclusive world for all gender types. However, when we look at multi-dimensional problems related to gender inequality that happen worldwide, we might question our self: is that vision attainable?

Madagascar is known for its exceptional biodiversity, home to species found nowhere else. However, the big island is very vulnerable to climate change; the local population is suffering from extreme weather events. Being at the center of the management of natural resources, women are not only victims, they can act for the safeguard of the Common House, and be indispensable actors of climate change.

There is no such thing as "the woman". There are real women of flesh and blood...from diverse socioeconomic locations, some with fewer opportunities than others; women who struggle every day to survive and those of us who struggle every day to conquer equal opportunities, making alliances with others to build a better society.

I see this reflected so beautifully in Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti, finding our voice to build integral ecology with our common home.

...“If the Church and the world recognizes the worth of women and work with them as collaborative partners, the world will be a beautiful place to live”.