IVORY COAST

We can hear the word justice in everyone’s lips, from the small ones to the old. All of nature cries out for justice. But what does this really mean for the African woman in general? Africa is characterized by diversity of culture and rich natural resources.  Each culture has its own particularity and the woman occupies an important place in it. No one can speak of justice exercised in relation to women without situating her in the historical, social, cultural and family context. The African traditional society considers a woman as bearer of life, a nurturing mother, spouse, and servant; in general, the woman takes care of the cleaning, the family, and the education of the children. Often their role carries many values: as a spouse she takes care of the home, the education of the children, their care and meals.

She is also the companion and counsellor of her husband and for the young married couples; the midwife by experience; she also takes charge of the plantations, household chores and the provision of necessary food for the family. In some cultures, elderly women become part of the wise group of the tribes and occupy a seat among the men to decide matters of common interest. The African woman embodies courage, perseverance, joy, hope, docility and, sometimes, even the spirit of submission and patience in times of suffering.
An interior strength animates her; she has the will and the spirit of sacrifice for love and fidelity under the end of her days, with the purpose of protecting and saving peace, unity and life of her family.

Why is she treated unfairly, with much contempt and injustice?
When God created the world, he created man and woman in his image and likeness. What indeed characterises injustice against women? Despite the offering of herself, many women in general and African woman in particular suffer injustice from men, society, culture and customs. Even  youth or young girls are exposed to all sorts of injustices; some will never have the chance to go to school, only because they were born as female; others because they are not useful to society or the family.
They are exposed to forced labour; they are maltreated, beaten, raped, abused, and even have to remain silent before the suffering of their own children. There are situations that tear their hearts but often have to hide them to save the good image of their marriage. This last point does not only occur in the traditional world but also in the modern society. Today in Africa, some women are not afraid to act even in the political field. This is the case of Elena Johnson, who became the President of Liberia, and many other women ministers in several countries. They are not only contented to have a salary but also want to promote the welfare of the family and the whole society.

Despite all this, we are rooted in hope.

It is at the heart of this urgent need that the Lord invites the Carmelite Missionaries to give witness to Him. It is not about giving food to a hungry woman or her child but, first and foremost, it is to be with her in her solitude, in the need to be listened to, as a companion who can understand her and accept her as she is, in her joys and miseries, without judging her. It is about letting her discover her rights to live, to love, to build her life, to be loved. Educating her in these values makes her capable of transmitting them to others.

The future of these children, of this people, is in your hands. If you remain passive, you will not have fulfilled your role as spouse, mother, companion and servant of the Lord.