The UN website states that “International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool.”
August 9 is dedicated by the UN to the celebration of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. This year the focus is on indigenous women. Women play a crucial role in the preservation and transmission of traditional ancestral knowledge. In many societies women act as caretakers of natural resources and keepers of scientific knowledge. They often have intimate knowledge of plants and herbs and their medicinal properties. Many indigenous women are also taking the lead in the defense of indigenous peoples’ lands and territories and advocating for indigenous peoples’ collective rights worldwide.
At the same time many women suffer high levels of poverty; low levels of education and illiteracy; limited access to health, basic sanitation, credit and employment; limited participation in political life; and domestic and sexual violence. Empowering women to work to address these issues is a major focus for this day. Great things have already been done but there is much more to do.
By Fr Pat O'Shea - Lower Hutt
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