A special programme to celebrate International Women's Day

Published: March 7, 2021, 10:41 a.m.

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Sister Norma Pimentel is one of the most important advocates for immigrants in the United States. For over three decades, she has been working to support migrants seeking refuge in the U.S. along Texas border with Mexico and as Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, she directs efforts to provide shelter, food, sanctuary and comfort to people often treated as less than human. Last year she made Time magazine\'s list of the100 most influential people and her work has earned her the moniker of \\u201cthe Pope\\u2019s favourite nun.\\u201d

It is estimated that 71% of victims of modern day slavery are women and girls. For the past six years, former police officer Karen Anstiss has been running Caritas Bakhita House - a place of safety for women escaping human trafficking which is supported by the Catholic Church. Karen talks about her work and how we can help the victims of modern day slavery.

On 3rd January this year, Rear Admiral Margaret Grun Kibben became the first female chaplain to the US House of Representatives. Three days later, an angry mob stormed the Capitol building and the 60 year old Presbyterian Minister found herself on the frontline. It\'s a place she\'s been before as she\'s seen active service in Afghanistan so, as she explains to Emily, she went into "a sort of spiritual cover" in a way that she would in a war zone.

And, 17 year old award winning poet Aminah Rahman performs her poem \'Changing the Future\' - written especially to celebrate International Women\'s Day.

Producers:\\nHelen Lee\\nOlive Clancy

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