Women and work
A study seminar by the Pontifical Council of the Laity

Today, it is important to recognise the feminine genius of woman both in the organisation of work and family life. This, however, presents itself with scenarios that challenge women in finding creative solutions for opportunities and difficulties that they face. In view of this, The Pontifical Council for the Laity organised a weekend study seminar (4-5 December 2015) with the aim of shedding light on the causes and consequences of today's dichotomy between family demands and the woman at work. I am grateful for the privilege to have participated in this event.

Attending the seminar were about 100 participants from all over the world, men and women, clergy and laity. The attendees were those involved in ministry for women in the Church, especially those representing the Bishop's Conference of their respective countries. I was sitting for the Institute for World Evangelisation - ICPE Mission, with a specific interest concerning the lifestyle of the women members of the ICPE Companions.

Every day began with the celebration of the Eucharist with an inspiring homily. On welcoming the participants Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, the head of The Council for the Laity, echoed John Paul II’s words, "The value and dignity of human work is to be found in the fact that it is done by a person. The primary basis of the value of work is Man himself." These powerful words come in strong opposition to the pressure of modern day society’s in moulding the human person as an object and slave to the demands of work. The rest of the two day seminar was highly inspired by distinguished speakers from all professional disciplines delving in a spectrum of topics, such as the gender theory, the interchangeable roles of man and woman and the difficulties and opportunities of women at work.