Women's Leadership for Mission
Women's Leadership for Mission is designed by, with and for women who are inspired by a gospel vision of justice, freedom and the dignity of the human person.
This program is unique because it responds to the diversity of women in the Church. It is for women of all ages who identify as Catholic.
Women's Leadership for Mission supports the acquisition of the knowledge, skills, dispositions and networks that foster local and global communities - communities which promote a world, and a worldview, that affirm the dignity of each person and the integrity of all creation. The program fosters women's participation in the Church, in society and in economic and political life, in both existing structures and newly emerging spaces.
Women's Leadership for Mission integrates five key dimensions, each essential for supporting women to lead for mission in the contemporary world.
Leadership begins with a recurring understanding of self. It seeks to understand context and the complexities of communities, and to create conditions where all can (re)connect with life. Leadership is a relational stance that carries confidence and humility. It is courageous and emboldens others to imagine new horizons.
Women's Leadership for Mission develops women's capacity to engage in mission that recognises Christ already present in the world around us. It is prophetic, recognises women's capacities and is grounded in dialogue.
A unique and transformative pedagogy that supports women’s capacity for mission. This program’s academically rigorous learning framework develops theological literacy through communal learning, prayer, reflection, questioning and engaging different perspectives, dialoguing with other women of faith, and immersive learning.
Theology is contextual, responsive to the real-world questions of women, contemporary, personal, critical and reflexive, as well as communitarian and ecclesial.
Individuals and organisations are invited to partner to fully realise the potential of the program. This approach is underpinned by a commitment and openness to learn with and from each other, as well as an investment in, and alignment with, the shared aspirations of the pedagogical, theological and mission stance of the program.
In 2022, we undertook an extensive evaluative process in partnership with the young women who have participated in the program, and Dr Jayne-Louise Collins of EdPartnerships International. This process is shaping a recast Women's Leadership for Mission program.
Meet our alumnaeJoin our network to actively support the program. You’ll receive updates about the program launch, related events, academic coursework and application details, plus opportunities to partner with us and broadly engage with the program.
Join the networkWe are open to suggestions about how you would like to contribute to a partnership in support of Women's Leadership for Mission. We welcome the opportunity to dialogue.
Contact usApplications are now being accepted to take part in the next iteration of Women's Leadership for Mission, commencing in February 2024.
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