IInternationalWomen’s Day is celebrated on March 8.
n March 1911, more than one million men and women joined together in solidarity to call for women ’ s equal participation in society. One hundred and thirteen years later, International Women’s Day continues to be celebrated on March 8 by millions of people around the world.
The theme for this year is “Inspire Inclusion,” which not only promotes the inclusion of women but ensures they feel a sense of belonging and are empowered. This day supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 5, which is gender equality.
In many of the projects supported by The Salvation Army’s international development department, gender equality holds a key place as we ensure
everyone is treated equally and has the same opportunities available to them.
By Major Heather Matondo
I recently visited the street outreach program in the Kenya West Territory, which is supported by the Brighter Futures Children’s Sponsorship program, and was privileged to hear the stories of young mothers who participate in the program.
Faith was living on the streets in Eldoret, Kenya, when she met Dan, coordinator of the street outreach program, and was invited to participate. Her life has completely changed since then. She regularly attends the program and is learning how to cook and helps with gardening She is hoping to enhance her skills so that she will be able to get a job in a local restaurant
A DREAM PROJECT IN PAKISTAN
By Jacqueline Tingle
In a commitment to global empowerment, The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda is actively working to ensure access to quality education for women and girls worldwide. As part of our initiatives, we have taken measures to launch two sewing schools in March 2022, specifically tailored to empower women in low-income areas
In the Sheikhupura Division of Pakistan, 20 women enthusiastically used the opportunity to learn valuable sewing skills, addressing the prevalent challenges of limited skill training opportunities in rural Pakistan. Simultaneously, a second sewing centre was established at territorial headquarters in Lahore, where 18 students were accepted into the program, further expanding the reach of this important initiative.
After completing the three-month program, certificates were presented to the graduates, signifying their commitment, ambition and diligent efforts. A graduate expressed deep gratitude, saying, “I am profoundly thankful to The Salvation Army and its leadership for empowering our community with these invaluable skills. They have benefited us as we can use these skills at home and to earn money. ”
In its pursuit of enriching self-reliance and fulfilment within the local community, The Salvation Army continues to create positive change, offering hope and resilience to women globally Through these initiatives, we contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering women to create lasting change in their lives and communities, one skill at a time.
REBUILDING AFTER THE STORM IN THE PHILIPPINES
Adevastating wake of destruction was all that was left of a small suburb of Pangasinan after super typhoon Egay made landfall in the northern region of the Philippines on July 25, 2023 Although the region is prone to severe storms and flooding during that time of year, it was clear to local authorities that the impact of this storm was more severe than anticipated, and a state of calamity was declared for the small community of Sta Barbara
Because of severe flooding, basic needs, such as food and safe drinking water, became inaccessible for many. In co-operation with local governmental agencies, a Salvation Army disaster relief team was deployed to co-ordinate the distribution of food, water and cleaning supplies to more than 600 families in the affected community.
Thanks to the generosity of the people of Canada and Bermuda, in the weeks that followed, more than 3,000 people whose homes were uninhabitable due to prolonged flooding, received a glimmer of hope. Not only would they survive their ordeal, but they would have the resources they needed to rebuild and regain a solid footing to help them move on from what had seemed to be a hopeless and insurmountable situation. As one community recipient exclaimed, “The relief operation conducted by The Salvation Army was essential for our survival”.
By Major Brian Slous
The local corps officers and soldiers of the Sta Barbara corps remain committed to their community as they offer ongoing assistance and support to those who need it most
