THE WORLD WILL celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8. A month ago, Pope Francis made an unprecedented move: appointing Sister Nathalie Becquart from France, to be one of the two undersecretaries of the Synod of Bishops. She will not only be the first woman to hold this position, but will also have the right to vote at a synodal meeting (Sunday Examiner, February 14).
Speaking about her appointment, Sister Becquart called it an effective step towards giving more places to women at all levels of the Church. “Changes will come with the new generation as more and more young people—not only young women but also young men—ask for women’s equality.” She also stressed that true collaboration between men and women at all levels of the Church cannot be realised until there are more women in leadership positions and decision-making processes.
In late February, German theologian, Beate Gilles, was appointed the new general secretary of the German Bishops’ Conference, becoming the first woman to hold the position (see page 5). Gilles affirmed the efforts made by the Church in Germany, which she noted, is seeking changes in its situation and has begun a reform process so as to empower more people to serve the Church together.
In the past, the Church has been subject to much criticism for neglecting the role and position of women or even bringing harm to them. In view of these, Pope St. John Paul II, on the first Sunday of Lent (March 12) in the Jubilee Year of 2000, celebrated the Day of Pardon Mass. He implored God’s forgiveness for the sins of the sons and daughters of the Church over the past 2,000 years, including those against the dignity of women and the unity of humankind.
Apart from safeguarding women from against harm, it is also important to make room for them at all levels of Church life. In many aspects of Church life women are committed participants. putting in much time and effort. However, considering how to enable them to participate in decision-making process is worth further thought.
“A Church without women is like the college of the Apostles without Mary,” Pope Francis told journalists after participating in World Youth Day in Brazil in 2013. He reiterated that the role of women is to be the example of Mary; making the Church grow.
Beyond the Church, the life of in society should also be considered. With the Covid-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, women, as carers ,have been subject to a greater amount of stress. The United Nations Women said that before the pandemic, women were doing three quarters of the estimated 16 billion hours of unpaid work each day. It is expected this will double due to the pandemic.
Our local social service organisations suggest that, with ongoing home schooling and many non-emergency social welfare services being negatively affected, the government should strengthen their concrete support for carers so as to allow them breathing space.
As a Christian community, we can go beyond the current system and as good neighbours, lend a helping hand to the carers and women who are in need. This not only helps others, but also enables us to walk with our neighbours. SE
