The Commission for Justice, Peace and the integrity of Creation (JPIC)

Sisters and Associates of the Congregation of St. Joseph,

In the 2017-2021 JPIC plan, we shared with the Congregation our commitment to promote the Sustainable Development Goal of United Nations (# 5), Gender Equality and Women. Aware of this commitment, JPIC proposes that on International Women's Day, 8 March 2021, to celebrate women around the world who have performed extraordinary tasks often under the most difficult situations. Let us celebrate women who have survived violence, discrimination, racism and disrespect for their rights, and women who hold families together, often under the most difficult circumstances.

The theme of the International Women's Day 2021: "Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a world of COVID-19" praises women as “health professionals, caregivers, innovators, community organizers and effective in combating pandemic”. It also points out, in the same proportion and even higher about the large burdens carried by women, facing the increase of domestic violence, unpaid care chores, unemployment and poverty worldwide.

The great challenge is to achieve full and effective participation of women to make decision for the public life, as well as to eliminate violence, to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women.

We as the Congregation of Women Religious, also experience gender inequality in our realities, we invite each of you on International Women's Day, 8 March 2021, to celebrate women interconnected with all of humanity. We propose that you engage with other women in prayers, and reflections on the beauty and value of women. We suggest and encourage some activities for our Congregation, both Sisters and Associates:

• In religious communities and / or associated groups, share reflections, prayers and some keywords or phrases that celebrate and show an appreciation for being a woman;

• Take pictures of these words or phrases and share them on the Congregation's social networks, on your Facebook page or on your individual social media;

• The video about women, produced by the JPIC Commission, will be shared and watched in communities, Associates groups and other groups that each one has contact with.

Our active and proactive participation as consecrated women is vital to uphold the Congregation's action in communities and its different missionary areas to renew in the world the hope and commitment to Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation.