Europe Day 2022: Statement of European Christian Workers Movement (ECWM)
Europe, the war, God, people
In this year 2022, we will celebrate Europe Day (9 May) against the terrible backdrop of the war in Ukraine.
What can we Christians say?
As was also the case with COVID, it seems that the drama in Ukraine is once again raising questions about God, life and the human being. What is God doing in the face of all this? Where is God in the face of those empty streets, populated only by corpses, some with their hands tied behind their backs? Where is God in the face of those mothers desperate because they do not know how to free their children from panic, hunger or suffering beyond their little strength? How is it possible that God allows what is happening in Ukraine today? Or what happened in the various Auschwitzes of yesterday.
We want to be Christians and witnesses of the proposal of salvation and liberation that Jesus Christ offers to society and the world of work, but the people around us present us with these questions.
The problem of the "silence of God", Christians have had to endure since the beginning of time.
Message of WMCW for the International Women's Day - 2024
”Accelerating Gender Equality through Women’s Economic Justice”
The International Women Day comes every year as a global day established by the United Nations in 1972, to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, while also making a call to action for strengthening gender equality and accelerating women’s empowerment. It is the opportunity to examine the pathways to greater inclusion for women and girls everywhere, as well as to unlock the capacities of women to learn, earn, lead, and ensure the goal of Social Justice in the Economy is met as key milestone of investing in women.
For almost a decade now, the World Movement of Christian Workers has been publishing a message to mark its solidarity with the efforts made by various institutions to empower women. This year's message is a testimony from the Movement in Rwanda to the situation of women in that country.
In Rwanda, Gender equality and women's empowerment are achievable goals in the journey of transformation. Since 2003, when Gender equality was included in the constitution, stipulating 30% female representation in decision-making organs, implementing policies for women's development has become easier where by this has driven stronger advocacy for women's issues, resulting in the adoption of gender-sensitive policies and affirmative actions.
Notably, initiatives in education and entrepreneurship offer collateral support for bankable projects, particularly benefiting women and youth, fostering their participation in leadership and economic development. These efforts have positioned Rwanda at the forefront, with the majority of female representation in parliament at 61.3%. Despite advancements in Gender equality, challenges still persist for women in both rural and urban areas regarding their participation in existing markets, control over productive resources, and access to decent work, hindering their economic justice. The latest labor force survey (LBS) in Rwanda indicates that although overall labor force participation stands at 52.9%, women's participation remains notably lower at 44.4%, compared to 62.5% for men.
In response to some of the above-mentioned barriers, MTC Rwanda and other likeminded stakeholders are implementing programs to accelerate women’s economic empowerment through empowering women and girls with financial literacy trainings, vocational trainings, agricultural value chain projects, support Saving and Loan groups and facilitate their linkage with financial institutions to boost their access to finance. In addition, women are also supported through business mentorship programs, professional tools and networks in order to turn their ideas into successful businesses. The policy advocacy is also done to ensure equitable conducive environment for both females and males’ economic development.
Justice and fairness, in all their forms, are virtues that we Christians are called to cultivate, practice and disseminate (Proverbs 21:3; Micah 6:8). Let us unite and continue the fight for a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination, negative gender, cultural and social norms. A world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge Social Justice in the Economy for Women’s Lives.
Message written by MTC - RWANDA
Pictures by MTC Rwanda
Christmas Message by the World Movement of Christian Workers
Let's hope for Christmas!
What is Christmas?
Are God, Father Christmas and Jesus some kind of Superman?
Christmas is a time of hope for the residents of our neighbourhoods, working together to improve their daily lives.
Christmas is a time of hope for children's dreams: dreams of extended families, dreams of shared gardens and towns in bloom, dreams of neighbourhood festivities! (...)
Waiting for the Saviour, In the Saviour's tent,
Let's prepare for Christmas!
What is Christmas?
What was the shepherds' compass on Christmas night?