Empowering Catholic Women Leaders in Naivasha, Kenya

observatorioumofc
Jul 2
2 min read

*CWA Leaders during a training session with Sr. Ann*

By Sr. Ann Kamene Musyoka, ASN - Kenya

Community Manager and Ambassador of WWO

Women’s empowerment is not just beneficial—it is essential to the growth of both the Church and society. When women are equipped with leadership skills, knowledge, and confidence, they become catalysts for spiritual, social, and economic transformation.

In line with this mission, Sr. Ann Musyoka, ASN—an ambassador of the World Women Observatory—led a transformative initiative at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Naivasha, Kenya. Through nine interactive workshops, she empowered 45 women leaders from the Catholic Women Association (CWA) with essential skills to strengthen their leadership, amplify their voices, and participate more actively in decision-making within the Church and their communities.

The training covered key topics, including leadership dynamics, effective communication, conflict resolution, financial literacy, and mental health awareness. These sessions were designed to be participatory, allowing women to reflect, share experiences, and develop practical strategies for navigating leadership challenges.

The impact was profound:

Women reported increased confidence to lead and speak out in traditionally male-dominated spaces.
Improved group cohesion and communication fostered unity and minimized internal conflicts.
Leadership roles were more clearly defined, enabling effective teamwork and delegation.
Renewed motivation for financial accountability and collective savings strengthened economic independence.
Participants gained the skills to navigate cultural expectations while asserting their leadership with dignity and purpose.

This initiative, goes hand in hand with the vision of the World Women Observatory, not only strengthening individual leadership but also deepening the collective impact of CWA leaders. By fostering dialogue, skill-building, and mutual support, the project nurtured a culture of empowerment and resilience.

Above all, it affirmed a crucial truth: when women are confident, connected, and empowered, they lead with purpose and impact. Their transformation ripples outward—strengthening households, uplifting communities, and shaping a more just and hopeful future for generations to come.