At the intersection of faith, social engagement and women's empowerment, a vital dialogue emerges about the role of women in the Church. In this context, we invited to the Omnes-CARF Foundation Forum on Women in the Church two outstanding women, the Nigerian economist Franca Ovadje and Janeth Chavez, women who shine as inspiring examples of leadership and action.
Franca, originally from Nigeria and recipient of the Harambee Award in 2022, stands out as founder of the Danne Institute Research. On the other hand, Janeth, director of Magnífica Groupsdedicates her energy to educating and strengthening women's identity through faith and study.
Franca Ovadje, has done remarkable work in the field of women in the Church, highlighting the importance of women's commitment and influence in contemporary society. In the seminar Women in the Church: work, commitment and influenceFranca shared her inspiring story and commitment to women's empowerment in Nigeria. Her work continues to positively impact communities both locally and globally.
From her own personal experience, Franca highlights the influence that the faith and education she received in a Catholic home had on her life. Raised in an environment where the social doctrine of the Church was palpable through the example of her parents, Franca learned from a young age the value of service and solidarity with others. This solid formation laid the foundation for her future work in the promotion of social justice and the empowerment of women.
One of Franca's flagship projects is the Project Tech Poweran initiative aimed at encouraging girls' interest and participation in the field of technology and engineering. By recognizing the gender gap in the technology field in Nigeria, Franca aims to challenge gender stereotypes and provide opportunities for young girls to acquire relevant skills for the future. Through this project, Ovadje not only seeks to bridge the digital gender gap, but also to cultivate leadership and ethical values in the participants.
Another significant program is Always a Brideswhich addresses the challenges facing married women in contemporary Nigerian society. Franca recognizes the importance of strengthening family bonds and promoting healthy marital relationships. This program offers practical guidance and emotional support to create happy and stable marriages and homes.
In addition, Franca is committed to the education and empowerment of women through the Literacy for Young Women. Aware of the importance of education in personal and social development, this initiative seeks to provide basic reading and writing skills, as well as to promote social awareness and leadership among the participants.
In each of her projects, Franca Ovadje demonstrates an unwavering commitment to Christian values and the social doctrine of the Church. Her holistic approach to women's empowerment encompasses educational, professional and personal aspects, with the ultimate goal of promoting the dignity and well-being of all women. Through her work, she not only challenges social and economic injustices, but also inspires other women to find their voice and power for change in Nigerian communities and beyond.
Janeth Chávez, director of Magnífica Groupsan inspirational voice in promoting the role of women in the Church, provides a educational platform which seeks to strengthen women's identity and dignity through study and prayer.
In her speech, Janeth emphasized the importance of faith formation as a fundamental tool for spiritual growth and understanding of Christian identity. Through Magnífica, she offers the opportunity to study the documents of the magisterium and the writings of the saints to women from all over the world and provides a solid foundation for the development of their interior life and their relationship with God.
Janeth calls on women to join together in study and prayer groups; she emphasizes the importance of accompaniment and communion in the journey of faith. She stresses the need to create spaces where women can share, learn and grow together, and recalls the transformative power of encounter and authentic listening.
Through teaching the truth about the dignity and nature of women, Chavez seeks to empower women to embrace their identity as beloved daughters of God. Inspired by the teachings of the popes and saints, she promotes a deeper understanding of the unique qualities of womanhood, and invites women to live authentically their vocation in the world.
Janeth encourages women to cultivate an active prayer life because it is only through a personal relationship with God that they can fully discover their vocation and dignity as women. She stresses the importance of going out of oneself and serving others with authenticity and generosity, following the example of Jesus as a model of love and service.
In summary, Janeth Chavez and Magnifica offer a valuable resource for women seeking to grow in their faith, discover their true identity and live fully their vocation as daughters of God in the Church and in the world. Their focus on education, accompaniment and faith formation reflects a sincere commitment to the empowerment and spiritual well-being of women in contemporary society.
Franca Ovadje and Janeth Chávez offer a profound and reflective view on the role of women in the Church. and in contemporary society. Through their experiences, innovative projects and unwavering commitment, they remind us of the importance of promoting the dignity, empowerment and integral formation of women in all areas of life. Their inspiring example invites us to continue working to build a Church where every woman can flourish fully in her identity and vocation.
