COMMITTEE: NATIONAL GUIDANCE AND GENDER MATTERS
FOCUS: GENDER RESPONSIVENESS IN CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY FRAMEWORKS IN ZAMBIA.
1.0. INTRODUCTION
Caritas Zambia, is a Faith Based Institution anchored under the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), whose commitment is centered around advancing the Social Ministry of the Catholic Church. Our mission embodies integral evangelization, which encompasses the spiritual and physical well-being of individuals. This approach aligns with the universal response of the Catholic Church, where Caritas and Justice and Peace serve as integral components wherever the Church operates.
Inspired by the Second Vatican Council's teachings, particularly articulated in "Gaudium et Spes" (1965), Caritas Zambia recognizes the struggles and aspirations of all people, especially those marginalized or the poor, as central to its evangelizing mission. The Church's dedication to social justice was emphasized by the Synod of Bishops in 1971, underscores the transformative role of advocating for improved Social Justice and strengthening the participation of these vulnerable groups in decision platforms or opportunities.
In the spirit of strengthened collaboration with other likeminded actors, Caritas Zambia emphasises the integrated work of Development, Justice, and Peace. The establishment of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development by the Vatican in 2016 further exemplifies this synergy, consolidating various Pontifical Councils to address justice, peace, migration, health, and charitable initiatives. Further Caritas Zambia is affiliated with Caritas Internationalis (CI) and Caritas Africa (CA) who play a significant role in providing technical support in the operation of the organization, including policy guidance and financial mobilization among others.
Therefore, our work with the vulnerable and marginalised in society can not be over emphasised especially in a society marred with deepening inequalities between the rich and the poor, men and women etc. Caritas Zambia recalls the story of the Last Judgment (Mt 25:31-46) and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first. As such, Caritas Zambia and indeed the Catholic Church does not believe in Charles Dewan’s theory of survival of the fittest, it believes in a society that takes care of the vulnerable and distribution of resources equally.
Download the entire Memorandum On Gender Responsiveness In Climate Change Policy Frameworks In Zambia here: https://caritaszambia.org/phocadownload/general/Memorandum-Gender-Responsiveness-Climate-Change-Policy-Frameworks-Zambia.pdf
