By Paschal Norbert
NAIROBI, JANUARY 21, 2025 (CISA) – The second edition of the African Women Theologian Conference is set to take place at Hekima University College (HUC) in Nairobi, Kenya, from September 3 to 6, 2025. Building on the resounding success of its inaugural event in 2023, this landmark gathering of African women theologians is poised to deepen the conversation around synodality and women’s role in shaping the future of the Church.
Organized in collaboration with the Conrad Hilton Foundation, Watawa wa Taa , and the Doctoral Scholarship for African Women Theologians, the conference will revolve around the theme: “Synodality in Action: Emerging Ecclesiologies, Vitality of Women, and Discerning Leadership for the 21st Century.” This event will serve as a continuation of the transformative journey started during the 2023 conference, which marked HUC’s 40 years of contribution to empowering women in theology.
A Synodal Journey of Transformation
HUC’s role in fostering women’s voices in theology aligns with Pope Francis’ call for a synodal approach, emphasizing dialogue, mutual learning, and a commitment to inclusivity within the Church. Since 2021, when Pope Francis launched the Synod on Synodality, the Catholic Church has embraced a new way of living and working together. This process culminated in the last session of the Synod in October 2024, leaving the Church at a critical juncture of implementation.
“Consequently, for the last three years, the Catholic Church has learnt how ‘to synod.’ The last session of the Synod on Synodality ended in October 2024. As we get into the implementation phase of the Synod, HUC, in collaboration with Watawa wa Taa and the Doctoral Scholarship for African Women Theologians, would like to convene a second Conference as a follow-up of the first African Women Theologians Conference held in 2023,” HUC noted.
The conference is more than an academic gathering, it is a platform for dialogue, reflection, and action. It offers participants an opportunity to engage with critical questions about the Church’s evangelizing mission, leadership, and inclusivity.
A Vision of Leadership and Inclusion
One of the fundamental aims of the conference is to explore how the Church in Africa can fully embrace its identity as a synodal Church, while addressing the unique challenges and opportunities of the continent. Questions like how to reimagine leadership in a region burdened with poor governance and how African women religious can revitalize their way of life will be at the heart of the discussions.
The conference will also provide space for African women theologians to share their experiences and insights on making synodality a living reality. Through presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities, participants will delve into sub-themes like reimagining leadership, recognizing women’s voices at the peripheries, and fostering a culture of safety and inclusivity in the Church.
Empowering African Women Theologians
In 2023, the conference successfully established a platform for emerging and established scholars to engage in mutual learning. It celebrated the voices of African women in theological discourse, resonating with the vision of Pope Francis and the Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Africa. The upcoming conference aspires to amplify this impact by focusing on actionable outcomes, including the creation of networks and the publication of proceedings.
“The 2023 conference celebrated HUC’s significant contribution to women’s empowerment and sought to make the voices of African women better heard in theology,” the organizers highlighted. By continuing this mission, the second edition aims to foster a spirit of liberation and empowerment, attracting more women to theological research and recognizing their capabilities as intellectual and ecclesial leaders.
Call for Papers
The conference organizers have issued a call for papers, inviting African women theologians, canonists, and women scholars to submit abstracts by April 10, 2025. Successful applicants will have their travel and accommodation funded and will present their work during the event. The sub-themes for the conference include: Reimagining leadership on the continent, Gospel witnesses grounded in faith, Deep listening to voices at the peripheries and Cultivating a culture of safety and inclusion in the Church.
Participants will explore these themes through the lens of synodality, reflecting on the transformative potential of this ecclesial model.
This gathering underscores the vitality of women in the life of the Church and the indispensable role of African women theologians in addressing the challenges of our time. As the Church embarks on the implementation phase of the Synod on Synodality, the voices of women theologians will be essential in shaping a future rooted in communion, participation, and mission.
