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 contributions to women’s empowerment through skills development.

During a visit to Lilongwe, WWO Office Director Adela Gonzalez, from Rome, Italy, expressed her organization’s appreciation. The visit aimed to acknowledge the diverse initiatives and activities the Teresian Sisters are implementing with women’s groups across all of Malawi’s dioceses.

Gonzalez highlighted the impact of the sisters’ work, emphasizing its role in fostering women’s self-reliance and promoting 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. 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,” Gonzalez stated.

Sister Teresa Mulenga, Programs Coordinator for the Congregation of Teresian Sisters, acknowledged the WWO’s visit as a source of motivation. “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,” Sister Mulenga explained, emphasizing the commitment to expanding training programs to liberate more women.

Martha Guga Kaukonde, a beneficiary from Limbe Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Blantyre, shared her personal experience, noting the positive impact on her family’s well-being. “My family status has improved through the various trainings and skills provided by the Teresian Sisters,” she said.

The Teresian Sisters provide practical skills training, including soap and petroleum jelly production, and environmentally friendly charcoal making from recycled materials like cartons and maize cobs, all aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of women and promoting environmental stewardship.

By Titus Jata Phiri