On this year's International Women's Day, the UN is focusing on the connection between gender equality and global warming. Women experience the effects of climate change the most. This is because climate change is making the food security and water supply situation more precarious, which has a disproportionately greater impact on women's lives, such as their health and safety. To counteract these disadvantages, Mission 21 is also stepping up its work for greater gender justice worldwide.
World Women's Day aims to recognize the contributions of women and girls around the world who are playing a leading role in adapting to climate change, mitigating climate change, and addressing the impacts of climate change to build a more sustainable future for all.
Working against violence and for education as the key to a just future
Mission 21 works with partner churches and organizations to promote equality for women and girls, for example in Southeast Asia. Various social aspects contribute to the disadvantage of women in Indonesia and Malaysia: Patriarchal mindsets are entrenched. Domestic violence is widespread and extreme poverty leads to trafficking in women and children. This contributes to hundreds of thousands of women from Indonesia working as domestic workers in other Asian countries to financially support their families at home. These migrant women often become victims of violence and exploitation.
Partner churches and organizations of Mission 21 on the ground have built up a cross-national and cross-religious network to protect and empower women. Christian and Muslim institutions work closely together with the support of Mission 21. For example, the church-run women's shelter "Durebang Center" and the Muslim organizations "Praxis in Community" and "Sapa Institute" in Bandung, Indonesia. At the women's shelter, traumatized women and children receive protection and care. Our partner organizations provide women and girls with education and open up paths to a self-determined life. Mission 21 also trains activists to advocate for women's rights.
