It appears that this beautiful proverb is not the firm held belief by everyone. In fact, it is not uncommon to hear and read of the mistreatment and cruelty toward women around our world in epic proportions and is seen as ‘common place’ in some countries. It has become apparent that if you are born a female, in some parts of the world, including parts of China and India, you are born into a life of slavery, violence, poverty, neglect and horrific sexual abuse. Knowing that this goes on as we all sleep soundly in our cosy beds, is difficult to even contemplate.
Research by the University of Melbourne found there are 126 million missing women in the world due to gender-based discrimination. The discrimination can present in various forms and delivers the destiny of death and devastation for millions of innocent female lives. We see these large numbers and often think; ‘the numbers of women who are being tortured and missing are beyond belief! What can I possibly do about it?’
You are in luck! There is loads you can do to help support women around the world whose lives are less than ideal, and this month is the perfect month to act.
During the month of September, Caritas Australia is raising awareness and funds for women living in poverty through a fundraiser called: Women for the World. Caritas Australia is the international aid and development organisation of the Catholic Church in Australia. Caritas usually holds a Gala evening to raise money for the ladies in our land, but due to the restrictions put in place because of COVID-19, this was unable to go ahead. Therefore, Caritas is encouraging the women of Australia to get together in small groups to raise money to help their sisters around the world gain freedom from the silent poverty and violence in which they currently are accustomed.
You can provide support by hosting a fundraising evening of your very own. This can be in a small gathering at your home, a Zoom Room Movie Night, an online trivia game or by simply sharing a meal and money and donating to Caritas, on the website provide below.
Women for the World - they deserve more than our spare change and a token gesture (like me writing this article). They deserve whatever we deserve so they know that ‘Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she (will) laughs at the time to come.’ Proverbs 31:25
For more information please click this link and see what you can do for the Women in our world.
Reference for statistics from Melbourne University:
https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/where-are-all-the-missing-girls
Photo provided by Caritas Australia
