The Crucial Importance of Poverty Eradication and Education in Women’s Empowerment
As the United Nations commemorates the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action for gender equality, the Holy See emphasizes the critical role of poverty eradication and education in effectively empowering women.
By Lisa Zengarini
The 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) is currently taking place at the UN headquarters in New York, to evaluate the progress made in implementing the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which this year marks its 30th anniversary.
The groundbreaking document, adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, outlined a comprehensive agenda for women’s empowerment and became the cornerstone of global gender policy, highlighting that gender equality is not just a women’s issue but a fundamental human rights concern.
The review process underway in New York includes a discussion on the current challenges hindering the implementation of the Platform for Action, which addressed twelve critical areas of concern, from poverty and education to health, violence, and political participation.
Poverty Eradication and Education: Keys to Women’s Empowerment
Representing the Holy See is Professor Gabriella Gambino, Under-Secretary of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life.
Addressing the session on March 13th, Professor Gambino reaffirmed the equal dignity of men and women as a fundamental principle that transcends circumstances and is rooted in the recognition of human rights.
However, she argued that equality cannot be achieved solely through legal recognition but must be supported by tangible social and economic conditions that ensure equal opportunities for women.
Professor Gambino highlighted that poverty, a major obstacle to true equality, disproportionately affects women and undermines their dignity. Without addressing this fundamental issue, development and peace remain unattainable.
Education was also emphasized as an essential tool for gender equality. It not only empowers women and girls but also creates an environment where both genders can reach their full potential while maintaining freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and belief.
The Need for a Cultural Shift Regarding Family and Motherhood
Another crucial aspect addressed by Professor Gambino was the importance of political action to bring about a cultural shift regarding family and motherhood.
She noted that despite commitments made three decades ago, the role of the family has been increasingly neglected, and policies have failed to provide women with adequate support to balance their professional and family responsibilities.
“Women have not been provided with the support they need to balance family life and their responsibilities at work, ignoring the fact that both contribute to society,” she said.
In conclusion, Professor Gambino acknowledged the progress that has been made but stressed that “much needs to be done,” echoing Pope Francis’ advocacy for full equality of opportunity for women as a means to foster a more inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable world.
