«We believe that Almighty God created man and woman as complementary to each other. God, in his profound wisdom, gave men and women equal talent and equal dignity. Man and woman can fulfill themselves, helping to promote the condition of humanity in the world,» said Bishop Gervas Rozario, who is at the head of the diocese of Rajshahi and president of Caritas Bangladesh, to Fides News Agency.
The Bishop recalled that, according to the Bible and the social teaching of the Catholic Church, «men and women are equal: the Church considers them with equal rights and dignity». Bishop Rozario, who is also vice president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Bangladesh notes that «women can take responsibility in many fields of social and professional life, inviting the faithful to «avoid gender discrimination, even in families». «By giving equal rights to men and women, a country of prosperity can be built», he added.
Yesterday, March 8, the Catholic Church in Bangladesh observed International Women’s Day. Various Catholic organizations and other people of faith celebrated it, such as the «Metropolitan Christian Cooperative Housing Society» which, in a meeting with over 1500 Christian women, remembered and honored 10 Christian women who contributed significantly to Bangladeshi society.
Meher Afroz Chumki, an MP from Gazipur, who worked in the government for the condition of women and children, stressed: «In Bangladesh, many women are still neglected and persecuted by men. If we teach our children to respect and honor women, one day women will not be neglected and persecuted. On the other hand, we note that people respect educated and wealthy people. It is time to give our women adequate education so that they are fully integrated into society. «In Bangladesh, those present recalled, a survey says that 87% of women suffer domestic violence at home on behalf of their husband.
Among the women awarded there is Teresa Rozario, a nurse, who said: «I am happy and inspired by this recognition. I will continue to do my duty with faithfulness and rigor. Nine other Christian women have been reported to have contributed to society in the fields of education, health, crafts, dance, law, leadership and women’s empowerment.
