On behalf of its 40th anniversary since its establishment in 1984 and the impact it has made in empowering women theologians in Kenya, Hekima University College (HUC), located in Nairobi, Kenya, convened an international conference to celebrate women theologians. The gathering took place from March 7 to 11, 2024.
The conference featured keynote speeches by leading global women theologians including, Sr Dr Josée Ngalula, the first-ever African woman to be appointed member of the International Theological Commission (ITC), Prof. Lisa Sowle Cahill, a professor of Theology at Boston College, USA, and Sr Prof Teresa Okure, pioneer professor emerita of Scripture and Gender Hermeneutics. Others include Prof Mary N. Getui, professor in the Department of Religious Studies at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), Dr Shawn M. Copeland, professor emerita in the Department of Theology at Boston College, Léocadie Lushombo, assistant professor of Theological Ethics at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University, USA, and Sr Dr Josephine Kangogo Keino, chairperson of the Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK).
According to Sr. Dr. Jacinta Opondo, FSSA, Chairperson of the Conference Organizing Committee and the first woman Deputy Principal for Academic Affairs at HUC, the ultimate goal of the conference was to uphold the cause of African women theologians by harnessing their ability to shape theological and ecclesial discourses at the global level.
“Although Hekima has endeavored to offer opportunities to women theologians, the latter’s voices are still seldom heard. Recognizing these gaps, Pope Francis assigned women to handle key responsibilities in the upcoming Synod on Synodality, providing a golden opportunity to appreciate the role of women in the Church,” Sr Prof. Opondo says.
Unfortunately, many times, people in religious leadership fail to highlight the contributions of theologians of womanhood; therefore, the Principal of HUC, Rev. Dr. Marcel Uwineza SJ, stressed the need to include women voices in theological narrations.
The conference’s purpose during the four-day duration was to provide women African theologians with improved mental capacity and leadership facilities and to build a feeling of freedom and empowerment. Additionally, a network of scholars who are inspired by the Church’s mission will be created.
As per Dr. Opondo’s remarks, “The conference aimed at celebrating HUC’s contribution to women’s theological empowerment. Further, the event helped to broadcast women’s voices on theological platforms stronger.
By Geoffrey Obatsa
Administrative Assistant, JHIA
