Mexico bishops back ‘National Strike’ condemning violence against women

The Bishops of Mexico have voiced their support for a 24-hour “National Women’s Strike” aimed at bringing attention to violence committed against women in the country.

The landmark event took place in Mexico City on March 9 and saw women stay away from offices, schools, restaurants, shops and public transport for the whole day.

Mexican bishops spoke out in favour of the initiative condemning gender-based attacks and murders in a statement earlier this week.

“As Mexican Episcopal Conference, we express our support for the #UnDíaSinNosotras (‘A Day Without Us’) initiative,” read their statement.

“This motivation derives from the real tragedies that recently have deeply damaged women, who lead us to reflection on the current challenges of fundamental human rights in our country.

“As a Catholic Church, we also reaffirm our commitment and take responsibility for building a Mexico in peace, free from violence.”

The proposal was pitched by feminist groups, but has aroused the support of many institutions including the Church.

It calls for an end to violence against women and change the male-dominated mentality rooted in Mexican society.

The parish of Saints Cosme and Damián in Mexico City covered images plus statues of saints and virgins with purple cloaks during Holy Week as a symbolic gesture in support of women’s rights.

The Church in Mexico used International Women’s Day on March 8 to remember the urgency of promoting the dignity of women both in the Church and in society.

José de Jesús Aguilar of the Archdiocese of Mexico said: “We strongly support women; it is a support for their deeper dignity.

“We must remind everyone that violence against women is to be condemned, like other sins committed against them.

“It is not only a civil offence, but it is a sin to discriminate against them, violate them, abuse their rights, and above all kill them with impunity.”

Elsewhere, bishops in the Philippines have also criticised the exploitation of women by calling abuses committed against them “an affront to God”.

Bishop Crispin Varquez, chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines women’s commission, said every offence against the “intrinsic being” of women is a sin.

“Man and woman are equal in dignity,” he said. “Their true relationship is to complement and complete each other.”