March 23, 2009- Unfair treatment toward women forms no part of God’s plan. That was the Pope’s message during a meeting with Catholic movements for the promotion of women’s rights in Angola.

His words mark the importance of the women’s movement in Africa, a continent where violence, rape and female genital mutilation are problems affecting human rights.

Benedict XVI
I call everyone to an effective awareness of the adverse conditions to which many women have been – and continue to be – subjected, paying particular attention to ways in which the behavior and attitudes of men, who at times show a lack of sensitivity and responsibility, may be to blame.

The Pope noted that in tragic situations women almost always become the constant defenders of human dignity, family, culture and religious values.

Benedict XVI
In a world like ours, dominated by technology, we feel the need for this feminine complement so that the human race can live in the world without completely losing its humanity.

The Pope also mentioned the exemplary lives of two extraordinary women. Teresa Gomes, who fought for her parish to continue working through the civil war and Marxist dictatorship.
The other was, the Italian doctor Maria Bonino, who dedicated her life to treating sick children until she was infected and died with them by her side.