Since our beginnings OLA’s have always paid special attention to the plight of Women and Children. It is an essential part of our OLA identity. In all aspects of our work we repeatedly encounter the exploitation of women and children and we do our utmost to fight against this exploitation.

Gender issues permeate all areas in which OLA’s work. In the area of Education, we often work in areas where girls do not have ready access to Secondary or Vocational Education. Where possible we support their struggle to obtain an education – in many instances OLA’s establish or help administer schools specifically for the Education of Girls. In West Africa, particularly in Nigeria and Ghana, Irish OLAs were instrumental in building many top quality secondary schools which continue to offer a high quality education for Nigerian girls today. In Tanzania, Bugisi Homecraft Centre established in 1995 offers girls an opportunity to obtain a Vocational qualification, equipping them for many employment opportunities. For many girls who have little hope of completing secondary school in a country where until recently less than 20% of students completing primary went on to attend secondary, this is a special opportunity.

In the area of Health Care, Maternal and Child Health has always been a primary focus of OLA work. Our Health Clinics in many African countries offer good quality health care often in remote areas. Many of those attending for treatment are pregnant women and children.

On a global scale there are more women infected with the HIV virus than men and many children are also infected. Working directly in the area of HIV and AIDS enables OLA’s to live out their mission being specially attentive to women and children.
In the course of their work, many Sisters encounter instances of Gender Based Violence GBV). Care and support is offered to many women suffering from GBV and in some instances sisters work directly with groups struggling for justice for victims of GBV.