Trócaire, the overseas development agency, has launched its Lenten campaign with a focus on equal rights for women and men in the developing world.

The start of the campaign also sees the launch of the agency's 'Just World' (www.trocaire.org/justworld) online community, a Bebo-style social networking site designed for people who are interested in social justice. This is the first site of its kind in Ireland and a first for a development agency based here. It will connect individuals in N. Ireland and around the world to find inspiration, get information and become involved in improving their local and global communities.

Eithne McNulty, Trócaire's regional manager, said, "The use of technology and new media can help us start a global conversation about ending poverty and changing the circumstances that make and keep people poor. This new community is already generating lots of excitement among its users. Millions of people use social networking sites. 'Just World' is a site where members can create their own personal web page to network and interact with other like-minded community members on issues of justice and social change."

Those who join the 'Just World' online community will discuss topics relating to international development, human rights and social justice. "As a faith-based organisation in a largely consumer-driven society, Trócaire is aware that people are looking for ways in which to connect with each other and the rest of the world. 'Just World' will offer them that chance," Eithne added. "It will allow users to actively participate with Trócaire and offer a socially aware alternative to commercial social networking sites." Members must be 16 years of age or older to join the community.

Trócaire is also calling on the British government to push for the full implementation of UN Resolution 1325 that deals with the prevention of violence against women, the protection of women in conflict situations and the participation of women in decision-making processes that affect them.

"Statistics show that 70 per cent of those living in poverty worldwide are women. Women are more vulnerable in times of conflict, as we see in Darfur. In fact 75 per cent of refugees and displaced people are women. If we don't support equal rights for women and men in the developing world we won't be able to help half the population there to overcome poverty," concluded Eithne.

Trócaire is urging people to sign its petition on equal rights. People who sign the petition will be able to see their name in the Global Village for Equality on www.trocaire.org/lent