A member of the Teresian Sisters from Malawi, and the chairperson of the Catholic Women Association are attending a conference horning skills on leadership for women aimed at driving socio-economic and spiritual transformation. chairlady of the Catholic Women Association (CWA), are in Kenya for a six-day conference horning skills on leadership for women aimed at driving socio-economic and spiritual transformation.

The two participants from Malawi are; Sr. Teresa Malunga, who coordinates projects in her congregation aimed at empowering women and also Mrs. Christina Lakioni chairlady of the Catholic Women Association (CWA) in Malawi.

The conference, underway in Karen, has attracted participants from different congregations of sisters and various other Catholic women associations from 18 countries making a total of 60 participants.

"It was a great opportunity for networking, sharing experiences and insights. Am going back with new ways of working with stakeholders, leadership, resource mobilization, just to mention a few," says Sr. Teresa adding the experience will enhance collaboration with CWA and other Religious institutes.

She says as a congregation, Teresian Sisters commit to partner with other stakeholders in the fight against GBV and " will remain the voice of the voiceless through storytelling and engagement in policy making and networking".

On her part, Mrs. Lakioni says:  "It has been a fruitful meeting for us as CWA. Networking and sharing experiences which shall benefit all women back home (in Malawi). 

"As leaders, we need to understand the importance of Integrity, self awareness, empathy, humility and resilience . And the importance of working together to achieve results".

The topics of discussion at the conference include that on “invincible women and communication as a transformative tool for visibility and social change”, driving social transformation” and “disarming violence and discrimination against women.

The opening mass for the meeting was led by Rt. Rev. Wallace Ng'ang'a Gachich, the Military Ordinariate of Kenya whose homily message emphasized on the important role women play in the church, encouraging them not to  underrate their impact in the church and society. 

The prelate also stressed on the importance of women empowering fellow women as a way of fighting gender based violence. He also cautioned women against pulling each other down as evidenced by the fact that while they are in a majority very few of them rise to key positions.

The meeting begun September 27th and ends October 2nd.