This International Women’s Day we’re celebrating how Emmaus groups around the world support women and recognising the incredible community of women we see across our federation every day.
Emmaus around the world
Emmaus is an international movement and supports women in all four corners of the globe to overcome poverty and social exclusion through training, education, and employment opportunities.
Today, we’re putting different Emmaus groups on the map by showcasing their work and how it makes a difference to the lives of women and girls.
From sewing workshops to combatting child trafficking, the video below features the efforts of Emmaus AFA in Benin, West Africa, Emmaus Helsinki in Finland, Emmaus Grupo Aportes in Uruguay, and Kudumbam in South India.
Emmaus in the UK
Here in the UK, we support women on their journey out of homelessness through providing a home for as long as they need it, tailored support, and meaningful work.
In the latest government data, 320 women were estimated to be sleeping rough on an average night in autumn 2021.
The theme of International Women’s Day this year is #BreakTheBias. Despite the data suggesting women are in the minority when it comes to homelessness (they make up 13% of the total number of people sleeping rough) they are more likely to experience hidden homelessness, which is often overlooked by official figures.
Women are also more likely than men to be made homeless as a result of domestic violence – and, according to a study by domestic violence charity Refuge, that has increased during the Covid-19 pandemic.
That’s why we want to champion women’s stories through 2022 and beyond. Read the inspiring stories of women across the federation.