African Synod Propositions

The Propositions from the recently-concluded Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops are being released. See zenit.org for a complete listing. However, Proposition 47, "Women in Africa," bears special mention here:

Proposition 47 - Women in Africa

Women in Africa make a great contribution to the family, society and the Church with their many talents and resources. However, not only are their dignity and contributions not fully recognized and appreciated, but are often deprived of their rights. In spite of the significant advances made in the education and development of women in some countries in Africa, the development of girls and women is often disproportionate to that of boys and men; girls and women are generally unjustly treated. The Synod Fathers condemn all acts of violence against women, e.g. the battering of wives, the disinheritance of daughters, the oppression of widows in the name of tradition, forced marriages, female genital mutilation, trafficking in women and several other abuses such as sex slavery and sex tourism. All other inhumane and unjust acts against women are equally condemned.

The Synod Fathers propose:

• The integral human formation of girls and women (intellectual, professional, moral, spiritual, theological, etc.);
• The creation of "shelters" for abused girls and women to find refuge and receive counselling;
• The close collaboration among episcopal conferences to stop the trafficking of women;
• The greater integration of women into Church structures and decision-making processes;
• The setting up of commissions on the Diocesan and national levels to address women’s issues, to help them better carry out their mission in the Church and society;
• The setting up of a study commission on women in the Church within the Pontifical Council for the Family.