An international Study Seminar to explore the topic of “Women and Work” organised by the Pontifical Council for the Laity (PCL) will be held at Villa Aurelia in Rome on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 December. “Today – a statement reads – it is necessary to recognise the important role women play both in public life, for building structures that are richer in humanity, and in family life, for the wellbeing of the family itself and the education of children”. Starting from this premise, “the Seminar’s goal will be to discuss causes and consequences of today’s dichotomy between family demands and the organization of work”, in order to identify a way out of “the ‘either-or’ dilemma in which too many women find themselves today” and to propose “innovative solutions towards a ‘one and the other’ answer that combines the demands of work and the demands of family life”. With this initiative the Pontifical Council for the Laity “wishes to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the publication of Pope John Paul II’s Letter to Women, in which he stated his heartfelt thanks and appreciation on behalf of the Church towards women involved in professional activities”. The Seminar will feature speakers from nine countries and there will be ample space for discussion. Card. Stanisław Ryłko, President of the PCL, will be in charge of drawing the conclusions. Pope Francis “will send a message to participants which will certainly give orientations for the work to be undertaken”, the statement ends.