ACWECA Hosts Inspiring Advocacy Skills Workshop

The Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA), through its Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Department, successfully conducted an intensive Advocacy Skills Training Workshop from February 16–21, 2026, at the serene Mojo Consolata Spiritual Center. The program brought together religious sisters from ten congregations under ACWET for a transformative and empowering learning experience.

The workshop was facilitated by Sr. Clara Mangwengwe, ACWECA–JPIC Coordinator, together with her assistant Sr. Grace Njoki. Their expertise, dedication, and passion for justice and peace enriched the sessions and deeply inspired all participants.

Experts from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia, Mr. Muluneh Tesfaye and Mr. Yosef Endrias, delivered practical and engaging presentations on pressing social issues in the country. Their contributions equipped the sisters with relevant tools and strategies for effective advocacy within their ministries.

The workshop addressed critical social concerns affecting communities today, including Gender-Based Violence (GBV), early marriage, human trafficking, and advocacy for and on behalf of the less fortunate.

Through interactive sessions, group work, and hands-on exercises, participants gained foundational knowledge and practical advocacy skills to help them serve as strong voices for justice within their congregations, communities, and ministries.

The primary objective of the workshop was to build the advocacy capacity of ACWET sisters within the JPIC framework. By the conclusion of the workshop, participants had developed action plans tailored to their ministry contexts and elected two representatives from different congregations to coordinate future advocacy initiatives.

According to Sister Getenesh Woldeamlak, President of the Consecrated Women Association of Ethiopia, both ACWECA and ACWET expressed great satisfaction with the level of engagement, commitment, and enthusiasm demonstrated by all participants. The sisters are now expected to apply the skills gained and become agents of change and transformation in their communities, congregations, and areas of ministry. She adds” The atmosphere throughout the workshop was joyful, collaborative, and spirit‑filled, creating a meaningful time of learning, sharing, and growth.”

ACWET remains hopeful that this training marks the beginning of stronger and more coordinated advocacy efforts across its communities, empowering sisters to stand boldly for justice, peace, and the integrity of creation.