Women from across the world gathered in Rome this week for a unique event focused on strengthening female leadership rooted in faith and service. Hosted by the British and Australian Embassies to the Holy See, the initiative brought together women students and young leaders to explore how their faith can inspire meaningful contributions within the Catholic Church and society.
The March 9 gathering, held shortly after International Women’s Day, welcomed fifteen women representing thirteen nationalities. According to Vatican News, the event—titled “Women of faith: Student leaders of tomorrow”—was designed to encourage women pursuing leadership roles while remaining grounded in Christian values and service.
Participants, many studying or working in Rome, spent the day reflecting on how faith-based leadership can address global challenges such as poverty, education, peacebuilding, and environmental care. Diplomats including Canadian Ambassador to the Holy See Joyce Napier, Australian Ambassador Keith Pitt, and British Ambassador Christopher Trott addressed the group and shared their perspectives on faith, public service, and leadership.
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For some participants, hearing from women balancing multiple roles in life was especially powerful. Daniela Niño Giraldo of Colombia said seeing examples of women combining family life, professional work, and faith gave her confidence as she prepares to welcome her first child. According to Vatican News, Giraldo said the experience reminded her that women should not feel pressured to choose between family and mission.
“We really need reference points because sometimes we think we need to choose between A or B. Seeing these examples gives us a path to follow,” she said, according to Vatican News.
Another participant, Mary Wangithi Mugo of Kenya, emphasized the unique perspective women bring to the Church’s mission, especially when supporting vulnerable populations. Mugo works closely with survivors of human trafficking through Talitha Kum and her organization, Sema Nami.
According to Vatican News, Mugo explained that women often play a critical role in accompanying victims who seek help from the Church. While priests frequently provide spiritual guidance, she noted that women may be able to understand certain experiences more deeply.
“That’s where women come in because we understand each other,” she said, according to Vatican News. “Though I do not exactly understand what someone went through as a survivor, from my point of view as a woman, I am able to understand them 90%.”
Mugo also stressed that the Church must remember women whose voices are silenced in abusive environments and that the event served as a call to action to combat exploitation and human trafficking.
The gathering also emphasized that women’s leadership in the Church differs from ordained ministry but remains essential to the life and mission of the Church. According to Vatican News, participants highlighted the importance of women serving in leadership roles as ambassadors, journalists, educators, and advocates within Catholic institutions.
“As a baptized Catholic, as a woman, we have [a particular] role to play, especially when it comes to women’s issues and children’s issues,” Mugo said, according to Vatican News.
For many participants, the day also created a sense of solidarity and support. Giraldo explained that meeting women facing similar challenges helped build confidence for the future.
“We, as women, need to work together and to have spaces where we connect and we talk and we support each other,” she said, according to Vatican News. “Creating this network is important because it helps women understand that we are not alone in this process.”
Organizers and participants alike hope initiatives like this will continue to strengthen networks of faithful women who are committed to serving the Church and the world. While the path of leadership and service may not be easy, participants left Rome encouraged that their faith and collaboration can help shape a hopeful future for the Church.
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