On International Women’s Day, Caritas Europa celebrates the strength, voices and achievements of women in our network. Through their experiences and messages of inspiration, we showcase the impact of equality and women’s agency in our work.
Women across Caritas are leading, supporting and driving change every day, making equality a reality, not just an ideal. Caritas Europa is proud to support their leadership and commitment, ensuring that women’s voices and contributions are recognised and valued throughout our network.
While Europe has made progress in advancing women’s rights and gender equality, significant challenges persist. Despite legislative changes, women continue to face systemic barriers, such as unequal pay, limited career advancement and the dual burden of work and family care. These challenges are especially acute for women from disadvantaged backgrounds, demonstrating that true equality has yet to be achieved in many areas of society.
Within Caritas Europa, we have made tangible strides. For the first time, the Executive Board is 50% female, and women now make up 28% of Directors or Secretaries General and 49% of Senior Management Teams across our member organisations.
But the work is far from finished. Caritas Europa and our member organisations remain dedicated to advocating for policies that foster gender equality, providing support services for women in need and ensuring that women’s voices are heard at every level of decision-making.
Read the reflections of women from Caritas Europa as they share their experiences, aspirations and messages of inspiration.
Godelieve Kankindi
(Administration and Events Coordinator, Caritas Europa)
“If I could give advice to my younger self, I would tell her to be patient and not rush through life. She will face challenges and make mistakes, but that’s all part of her growth. I would encourage her to trust her intuition, speak up for herself and remember that she’s capable of far more than she realises. Most importantly, I’d remind her to believe in her worth and never let anyone make her feel less than she is.”
Caoimhe de Barra
(CEO, Trócaire – Caritas Ireland)
On International Women’s Day, what is your message to other women?
Novelist Alice Walker once said, “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any”. As women, I believe that our power to act with other women in support, promotion and defence of what we believe in is the key to transformational change.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Be more courageous. Throw off your self-limiting beliefs, especially the ones that include the phrase ”because I am a woman”.
What does it mean to be a woman working for Caritas?
Working for Caritas as a woman can be inspiring, but also a reminder that the world’s women and men are still trapped in a global system of entrenched patriarchy. We see the disproportionate impact of poverty, violence and injustice on women every day through our work with Caritas. This motivates us to work for change in gender norms and equality at every level of society and in every institution.
Julianna Boros
(Regional Professional Director, Caritas Hungary)
What message would you like to share with other women on International Women’s Day?
I am Roma, I am a woman, I am a mother, I am a wife, I am a university lecturer, I am part of Caritas and I am a helper for disadvantaged communities. We women are diverse and strong, and that’s what makes us special. Let us be brave and trust in our dreams, because together — through shared efforts — we can achieve them!
What advice would you give your younger self?
Believe in yourself, be brave and take that first step toward your dreams! Don’t be discouraged if few believe in your success because others may only see the goal you reached, not the journey behind you.
What challenges do women still face today and how can Caritas help overcome these challenges?
Women, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, face significant barriers in the labour market — many are not even given a fair opportunity to work. To address this, we run two programmes in disadvantaged rural communities. The first is a Women’s Club, where we focus on self-awareness, faith, building future aspirations and strengthening community ties in a discussion circle. The second programme provides mothers, who have dedicated their lives to raising their children, with practical skills and knowledge to help them re-enter the workforce as their children grow older.
Meisa Dano
(Volunteer Coordinator, Caritas Finland)
On International Women’s Day, what is your message to other women within Caritas and beyond?
I want to encourage all women to support and uplift each other. Together, we are stronger, and by working in solidarity, we can create a better world.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would advise my younger self to be more courageous, more determined and to trust herself.
What does it mean to be a woman working for Caritas?
Being a woman working for Caritas means contributing to meaningful work that supports the most vulnerable people in society. It means standing up for human dignity, social justice and equality, while being part of a community that values the common good and the love of neighbour.
In your opinion, what have been the most significant achievements related to women’s equal opportunities in your country or in Caritas in the past 20 years?
We have seen significant progress in promoting gender equality, both in society and within Caritas. Women have gained more leadership roles and awareness of gender issues has increased.
What challenges do women still face today and how can Caritas contribute to overcoming them?
Women still face challenges such as gender-based discrimination and difficulties in balancing work and family life. In many places, women also experience violence and lack of trust. Caritas can contribute by advocating for policies that promote equality, providing support services for women in need and ensuring that women’s voices are heard at all levels of decision-making.
Iva Kuchyňková
(Social Policy and Advocacy Officer, Caritas Czech Republic)
On International Women’s Day, what is your message to other women within Caritas and beyond?
I would like to remind all women of the immense strength and courage they have within them. Whether you work for Caritas or another organisation, take care of your family or dedicate yourself to other areas of life, your efforts are of immense value. Let us wish each other support, solidarity and courage to change the world for the better – both for us and for the future generation.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would say that there is no need to be so afraid of failure. Every obstacle and every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Believe in yourself more, listen to your instincts and don’t be afraid to speak your mind – even if you don’t feel experienced enough. Your voice matters.
What does it mean to be a woman working for Caritas?
Working at Caritas as a woman means having the opportunity to help and being part of an organisation that strives for justice and solidarity. It often also means balancing professional and personal life and facing the challenges that work in the social sphere brings. But it also means being part of a community that values human dignity and strives for better conditions for all.
In your opinion, what have been the most significant achievements related to women’s equal opportunities in your country or in Caritas in the past 20 years?
Over the past 20 years, we have witnessed a growing recognition of the importance of women in decision-making positions, including in the non-profit sector. In Caritas and elsewhere, more and more women are reaching leadership roles, which strengthens equal representation. Great progress has also been made in the area of reconciling family and work life – for example, thanks to more flexible working hours or larger sponsors.
What challenges do women still face today and how can Caritas contribute to overcoming them?
Despite progress, women still face pay inequalities, prejudices in career advancement or the double burden of work and family care. Caritas can contribute not only by supporting equal opportunities within the organisation, but also by actively helping women in need – whether they are victims of domestic violence, single mothers or women facing discrimination. The key is not only direct help, but also education and awareness-raising that will lead to a change in the thinking of the entire society.
Audrey Grant
(Head of Community Services, Caritas Malta)
On International Women’s Day, what is your message to other women within Caritas and beyond?
I want to remind every woman of the power of strength and hope. My passion lies in contributing to a better world — one where respect, equality and opportunity are rights for all. Let’s support and inspire one another because together, we can create something beautiful. We need to keep having faith and trust the process.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. My journey was far from easy — it was not a bed of roses — but those challenges shaped me into the person I am today. I feel privileged that my path was difficult because it made me stronger and wiser. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was the importance of humility and asking for support when needed. My advice to my younger self is “Look around you — life is beautiful.” I hold on to that belief. No matter the hardships, life has so much beauty to offer.
What does it mean to be a woman working for Caritas?
Working at Caritas is both a privilege and a responsibility. The helping profession is predominantly made up of women, yet women in leadership and decision-making roles still face challenges. Being part of Caritas means having the opportunity to support, empower and advocate for those in need.
In your opinion, what have been the most significant achievements related to women’s equal opportunities in your country or in Caritas in the past 20 years?
Over the past two decades, Malta has made significant strides in promoting women’s equal opportunities – Gender Equality and Mainstreaming Strategy and Action. Malta has been recognised as the EU’s top performer in advancing gender equality. Malta has implemented significant legislative and policy reforms to advance women’s equal opportunity, with organisations like Caritas Malta playing a crucial role in supporting these initiatives.
What challenges do women still face today and how can Caritas contribute to overcoming them?
Women are still experiencing violence (including domestic abuse and sexual harassment). Cultural and social norms (deep-rooted cultural attitudes often restrict women’s freedom). Caritas can raise awareness, provide education programmes and skills training. Caritas can offer counselling, legal support for women and ensure their safety and helping them rebuild their lives.
Maria Nyman
(Secretary General
In your opinion, what have been the most significant achievements related to women’s equal opportunities in in Caritas in the past 20 years?
For the first time in Caritas Europa’s history we now have an Executive Board where the majority of the positions are held by women. This is an important achievement which allows us better reflect the network we serve and to have the best conditions in place for better decision-making. Thanks to their example, these women serve as role models for future generations of women leaders in Caritas and beyond.
Sophie Rigard
(Project Officer, Caritas France – Secours Catholique)
What does it mean to be a woman working for Caritas?
Being a woman working for Caritas means witnessing daily how women are often the first victims of poverty. In France, they now make up the majority of those seeking our help. When they are employed, they are paid less and more frequently accept part-time positions when they would prefer full-time work. As they age, their retirement pensions are also lower. Women are more vulnerable when they separate from their partner, and in France, nine times out of ten, they are the ones who continue to care for the children. They bear the mental load, managing everyday tasks.
Yet, for those who are not in paid employment, all the work they do — caring for children, family, elderly people and the wider community — remains entirely invisible. Statistics, and by extension society, label them as ”inactive”.
This injustice must end and their essential contributions to society must be recognised and valued. At Secours Catholique – Caritas France, we work hard to raise awareness among the public and decision-makers about the invisible labour carried out by the unemployed, particularly women. The minimum income should reflect these vital contributions, rather than keeping them far below the poverty threshold. This recognition should also extend to the health and care professions, ensuring fair wages and improved working conditions.
