What is GSEJMI?

For the people in many parts of the world, poverty is the major enemy. Whether this poverty is caused by the behaviours of companies and major players on the global economic landscape, by war and violence, by natural disasters, or by the corruption of national leaders – the effects on the lives of the people is the same. They suffer malnutrition, ill health, unemployment, illiteracy, homelessness, constant anxiety for the future of their children. Women and children are the ones most likely to bear the heaviest burdens of poverty.

The increase of globalisation has brought much suffering to the poorest people of the world. Many countries with underdeveloped economies cannot offer social protection to the most vulnerable who are made unemployed or whose income is severely reduced because of the decline in the demand for unskilled labour, the decrease in prices for cash crops and the loss of land, to name but a few factors. On the other hand, globalisation offers new possibilities for cooperation. Good Shepherd Economic Justice Ministries International – with Good Shepherd Sisters in 68 countries – is working to exploit these possibilities. We wish to play our part in helping globalisation work for the poor of the world.

Our focus is on the development of the whole person. Through our various responses, the members of Good Shepherd Economic Justice Ministries International work with the women in the projects to effect positive and long-term changes in their lives: growth in a sense of self-worth; development of literacy skills; outreach to the sick (e.g. persons with HIV/AIDS), disabled and isolated persons; the provision of day care for children in many projects.

The products made by the participants in the employment projects are unique and different and they make a difference!

Our aim is to develop this as a vibrant and dynamic network that will make a contribution to the fight against poverty and for a just share of the earth’s resources for all people.