WWO Commends Teresian Sisters for Empowering Malawian Women

The World Women’s Observatory (WWO) has praised the Congregation of Teresian Sisters in Malawi for their significant role in empowering women through various skills training programs.

During a recent visit to Lilongwe, WWO Office Director Adela Gonzalez expressed admiration for the initiatives undertaken by the Teresian Sisters across all Catholic dioceses in the country.

Gonzalez was particularly impressed by the sisters’ commitment to empowering women and their innovative approach to environmental conservation.

“I can say that it is just amazing. I have been listening to the women, and the first thing I have seen is a passion for the work, a passion to help the community and their families,” Gonzalez said. “I have been traveling in Africa, and this is the first time I have seen women, together with sisters, preparing charcoal in a natural way without cutting trees.”

Programs Coordinator for the Congregation of Teresian Sisters, Sister Teresa Mulenga, emphasized the holistic approach to liberation that the congregation embraces.

“Our approach is holistic, and we are following the charism of the Teresian Sisters, where liberation is not just one-sided. We liberate people from different forms of slavery, including physical and spiritual aspects, and that’s what our founder has guided us to do,” she explained.

One of the beneficiaries, Martha Guga Kaukonde from Limbe Cathedral of the Catholic Archdiocese of Blantyre, shared how the training programs have positively impacted her family’s life.

The Teresian Sisters are equipping women with skills such as soap making, petroleum jelly production, and eco-friendly charcoal production, contributing to both economic empowerment and environmental sustainability.