«We are deeply saddened by the violence against women, which has expressed itself in a new and aggressive way, so cruel as to generate confusion, pain, bitterness, sadness, tears, indignation, helplessness and many wishes for vengeance.» This is what the Presidency of the Bishops’ Conference of Mexico writes in a statement entitled «Educating for peace, national urgency», which takes its cue from the recent brutal crimes committed against women and girls, to affirm that «the cry of pain of the victims of violence cries out to heaven for justice. Christians cannot remain indifferent».
«This reality puts us in front of an authentic educational emergency because we have lost the basic references of human coexistence: truth, goodness and beauty,» underlines the text, sent to Agenzia Fides. The Bishops stress that education cannot be reduced only to the educational institution, although important, but not sufficient. «We recognize the need for an educational base that involves family life», they reiterate, stressing that the lessons taught in schools «cannot replace the education that the family can give.»
The Bishops recall: «We are all co-responsible for the solution of the crisis of humanity that we face: family, school, the media, Churches», in order to forge a culture of hope and peace, joining the responsibility of the State. «We ask all believers and people of good will to do everything possible to prevent violence from growing and spreading, in a special way we invite everyone to respect women and recognize the right they have, to promote their dignity, guaranteeing their freedom and integrity in our society.»
On the occasion of the «Paraguayan Women’s Day» celebrated across the country on February 24, in memory of the first assembly of American women, which was held in Paraguay on February 24, 1967, the country’s Bishops published a message in which they emphasize that «women have always played an important role in society and particularly in Paraguay, women have even given their lives to save their country in critical moments. Paraguayan women have been able to forge a new path for the reconstruction of the Paraguayan nation after the catastrophe we experienced between 1865 and 1870. Despite the great contribution, in this case, too, women have been demoted».
Although the contribution of women in various sectors of society has been widely recognized, the Bishops point out, «our country’s macho society has always postponed their participation in various aspects of public life». Today the Church appreciates «the incorporation of women in the traditionally male-occupied work areas» and recognizes that «they are brave heroines who save lives, administer justice and work to end corruption».
In conclusion, the Bishops of Paraguay find that «violence against women continues to increase and highlight the lack of recognition of the dignity and value of many women, for this reason, it is important to «talk with them», as Aparecida asks us, recognize them and create spaces of participation to walk together towards a more inclusive, cooperative and supportive country».
