The Western Australia Catholic Women’s Mentoring (CWM) – igniting feminine genius launch took place on Thursday 8 November at the University of Notre Dame (UNDA) Fremantle campus.
CWM first launched in Sydney in May 2017 with the aim to build the skills, confidence and networks of ACW and increase their capacity to use their gifts and talents to make a positive impact on the Australian Church and society.
Attendees had the opportunity to dialogue with like-minded Catholics at a speed-networking session before listening to a series of panel discussions from guest speakers who spoke about faith, politics and their biggest influences.
The speakers present included Catholic Education Team Leader Dr Pina Ford, who has 15 years of experience working with Catholic Education; Member for South Metropolitan Region Labour MP, The Hon Kate Doust MLC, who has been a member of the Legislative Council of Western Australia since 2001; Chair of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd WA Anne Diamond; and UNDA’s Senior Lecturer in Theology Dr Angela McCarthy.
CWM Coordinator Christine Pace said the event provided an avenue for Catholic women who are strong and affirmed in their faith to discover their capabilities and realise that they can do amazing things to transform society.
“We use mentoring as a tool of empowerment which can help us to become what God created us to be,” she said.
“Faith-filled women, on fire with the Holy Spirit, can be the hands and feet of God through their lives.”
The program operates under the umbrella of the ACBC’s National Office of Participation of Women. Director of the Office, Andrea Dean, said Catholic Women’s Mentoring is a simple but powerful concept.
“It recognises the capacity of women to support each other and to mentor each other for growth.
“As women become more confident and able to contribute generously to Church and society – a thousand wonderful possibilities emerge,” she concluded.