Catholic World Women’s Observatory changing lives across Africa

Operated by the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations (WUCWO), the World Women’s Observatory (WWO) aims to amplify the voices of women who are often unheard, particularly those living in fragile and marginalized communities. Founded in 1910, WUCWO represents more than 100 Catholic women’s organisations worldwide, uniting over 8 million members. The WWO, its flagship initiative, focuses on making women’s lived realities visible and informing Church and public policies through a Catholic lens centered on human dignity. Under the vision “Women Custodians of Mother Earth,” WWO has extended its reach across Africa, with notable activity in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Malawi.
Speaking to Vatican News, Aveline Malisa Ntenga, President of WWO Africa, said the organization’s work on the continent centres on empowering women through trauma recovery, entrepreneurship training, and reintegration support for survivors of trafficking. These programmes are run in collaboration with WUCWO-affiliated organizations in countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, Eswatini, Ivory Coast, and Guinea Conakry, among others. Partnerships with Caritas, religious congregations, and lay associations further strengthen outreach.
The World Women’s Observatory has outlined a set of strategic recommendations for the coming year. These include organizing a continental coordination meeting for all WWO representatives in Africa, expanding digital training and ambassador networks, creating a resource library of best practices and case studies, and strengthening partnerships with religious congregations and lay movements.