Holy See urges gender equality and women’s empowerment

(July 2, 2010) The Holy See has called for gender equality and the empowerment of women saying any deliberation during the September World Summit on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) will not be complete “without ensuring the advancement of women, who are dynamic agents of development in the family, society and the world.” Archbishop Celestino Migliore, Holy See’s permanent observer to UN in New York, made the remark at a special meeting of the Economic and Social Council discussing gender equality and the empowerment of women. The prelate voiced the Holy See’s concern that inequalities between individuals and between countries thrive and various forms of discrimination, exploitation and oppression of women and girls persist, which must be addressed by the provision of adequate social protection measures for them, as appropriate to national contexts. He particularly called for the elimination of gender inequalities in the health sector, pointing to remarkable improvement in the reduction of maternal and infant mortality rates following investment in areas relevant to women and girls including nutrition, general health and education. Archbishop Migliore also said that women’s economic empowerment is essential for the economic development of the family and of society. He regretted that violence against women, especially in the home and work place, and discrimination in the professional field, even on the pay and pension scale, are growing concerns. The Holy See particularly expressed support for initiatives in favour of the rights of women migrants and refugees and women with disabilities.