Our partners tell us that harmful social norms within patriarchal structures perpetuate discriminatory beliefs and practices and undermine human rights. These attitudes and practices are deeply rooted in many societies and will take transformative approaches, political and social will, and financial investment to overcome. Read on to learn about our advocacy and research on women’s wellbeing, participation and leadership.
Gender equality
To learn more about the gender equality issues most commonly raised by our partners as well as Caritas Australia’s policy recommendations to the Australian Government on addressing gender equality in its development program, see our Gender Equality Policy Brief.
Women’s economic empowerment
Women’s economic empowerment – including women’s ability, agency, voice, power and access to resources and infrastructure to make and act on informed economic decisions – is a key part of achieving gender equality. It also has intrinsic links with addressing gender-based violence.
In 2023 Caritas Australia undertook a scoping study to explore the role of faith-based organisations in supporting women’s economic empowerment in Papua New Guinea, a country where churches are highly influential members of society and key providers of PNG’s health and education services. You can read the full report or a summary here.
Family violence
Too often, women and girls experience violence in the family home. To understand the unique contribution of Catholic agencies to the prevention of and response to family violence, including in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Caritas Australia partnered with the Australian Catholic University, Catholic Social Services Australia and Catholic Health Australia to examine this issue. The research led to understandings of distinctive Catholic approaches to the provision of family violence services, as perceived by those working directly in the sector.
Where to next?
Read more about Caritas Australia's efforts in supporting the well-being, participation, and leadership of women and girls through our long-term development and humanitarian programs.