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Saly (Agenzia Fides) - “In our globalized world, female international migration is taking place in an impressive way. Recent studies show that their numbers, in some countries, have surpassed those of men. This phenomenon can be linked to environmental, economic, social, political and religious causes, often intertwined.” This was stated by the President of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Itinerant People, Archbishop Antonio M. Vegliò, in his presentation at the meeting organized by Caritas Internationalis on the theme: 'The female face of migration', held in Saly, Senegal, from 30 November to 2 December.
In his speech devoted to theological reflection on the subject, Archbishop Vegliò pointed out that migrant women are employed in the domestic sector, as domestic helpers and in childcare, as well as field workers, waitresses, factory workers, and low-level or qualified employees. “They are often involved in undeclared work, deprived of basic human rights, and sometimes abused in the domestic sphere.... The annual income for prostitution is estimated at about $ 12 billion, the third most profitable illegal activity in the world after trade in arms and drugs. About four million women a year are sold into prostitution and slavery, nearly 2 million young girls between 5 and 15 years are involved in the sex trade.” Even though the initial goal for a migrant woman, who rarely has the support behind her of a regular family, is that of building a family and having children, it becomes very difficult due to economic insecurity. This leads to abortion with resulting psychological trauma, living in solitude and pain. Finally, not to be overlooked in the context of female migration, is the tragedy of trafficking in women.
After recalling the passages of Sacred Scripture that speak of the role of women in the Church and society, and what the Church Fathers and the Papal Magisterium say in affirmation, Archbishop Vegliò stressed that although the woman is no longer considered to be subordinate to man, “the international community still pays insufficient attention to some fundamental questions. There are no universal laws promulgated in the service of motherhood.... In this context, the family is of paramount importance, from the moment it is defined as the fundamental unit of society.”
“The theology of human mobility affirms a culture of respect for migrants: acceptance, equality and the promotion of legitimate diversity, able to show migrant women as bearers of values and resources,” said the Archbishop. “For these reasons, the Church invites governments to review policies and regulations which compromise the protection of fundamental rights, such as the fight against abuse in the workplace and especially sexual abuses, access to health services, housing, citizenship, family reunification and assistance to young mothers.”
For its part, the Church will continue to warmly welcome migrants as who come from sister Churches to share with them the richness of diversity and to proclaim the Gospel together through word and action. “From the perspective of a Church ministry, missionary and more attentive to the laity, an adequate and equitable presence of women in ministry should be more profound, recognized and valued.... To achieve this there are positive signs for growth, however there are still many difficulties and prejudices to overcome, principles and goals, operational aspects to be explored and developed,” said Archbishop Vegliò. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 01/12/2010)
