On the occasion of International Women’s Day, March 8, 2024, Rome was abuzz with discussions on the role of women in the church and society. Contrary to past observations, where topics often remained broad and brief, this year’s conversations delved deeply into the issues at hand, signalling a significant shift.
Two significant events marked the day in Rome: a daylong conference on “women leaders” organized by the British and Australian embassies to the Holy See and Caritas Internationalis and a two-day conference on women as “builders of humanity” hosted by the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross with co-sponsorship from several pontifical universities.
Pope Francis, acknowledging the importance of these discussions, met with participants of the universities’ conference and conveyed his blessings to the embassies’ event, emphasizing the need for a continued commitment to promoting the equal dignity of women and men globally.
Discussions at the conferences ranged from the historical significance of women saints to contemporary initiatives led by women across Africa, Latin America, and Asia, promoting development and inclusion.
The Australian ambassador to the Holy See, Chiara Porro, highlighted the importance of elevating women’s voices and providing role models for future generations. She emphasized the significance of visibility, quoting Marian Wright Edelman: ” You can’t be what you can’t see.”
The conferences also included theological reflections, with Maeve Heaney from the Australian Catholic University stressing the need for theological discourse on women in leadership roles. She challenged traditional views, tying governance to ordination and advocating for a more inclusive approach within the church.
Undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops, Xavière Missionary Sister Nathalie Becquart, highlighted the synod’s efforts to amplify women’s voices within the church, emphasizing the importance of inclusion and participation.
Loreto Sister Patricia Murray, executive secretary of the International Union of Superiors General, expressed optimism about the increasing participation of women within the church and society but emphasized the need for continued discernment and dialogue on pertinent issues, including the possibility of ordaining women to the diaconate.
As discussions continue to evolve, it’s evident that International Women’s Day has become a catalyst for more focused and nuanced conversations about the role of women in the church and society, signalling a promising shift towards greater inclusivity and equality.
Source: USCCB
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