International women's day: Margaret's story
In her childhood, Margaret Mwaniki from Kenya witnessed women and children being beaten by their husbands and fathers. Growing up in a society which accepted violence against women inspired Margaret to fight for women’s rights.
Today, Margaret is a Regional Representative for Caritas Africa and since 2009 a member of CAFOD’s Board of Trustees. Margaret’s experience and expertise ensure gender issues remain a priority in our work.
But Margaret’s approach has always been to work with women as well as men. “Working with women alone is only working with half of humanity,” she says. “Both men and women need to be considered and addressed in development. Gender is a justice issue that addresses equality and equity.”
Making sure women and men have equal rights is, says Margaret “an essential issue for faith-based organisations because as the bible says: Jesus came to give us an abundant life. Not to give life abundantly to women or to men. It is to both, men and women.”
CAFOD is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and Margaret made the journey from Kenya to speak during the celebrations at Westminster Cathedral: “As a Trustee of CAFOD, I personally would like to express our thanks to all of you - CAFOD supporters. Through your support CAFOD has been able to reach out to millions of people giving hope, compassion and solidarity in times of need and transforming unjust structures for a safe, sustainable and peaceful, One World.”
