By Ifeyinwa Akaolisa
The Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Akwa, Ihiala, has held its first August meeting with a call on women to embrace their roles as peacemakers, bridge builders and promoters of strong families and peaceful communities.
The meeting, held on Aug. 9, under the theme, “Women as Bridge Builders: Advancing Reconciliation, Dialogue and Peaceful Communities,” brought members together to reflect on the role of women in promoting reconciliation, unity and peaceful coexistence within their families, the church and society.
The President of the organisation, Mrs. Lovette Okolie (Osodieme), led discussions on the importance of christian women remaining committed to their responsibilities as mothers, wives, caregivers and role models.
She stressed that peaceful homes are built through patience, open communication, forgiveness, love and responsible parenting, noting that women, as key influencers in their families, can help shape children and communities through positive values and example.
The meeting emphasised the importance of dialogue and reconciliation in resolving conflicts, with women encouraged to serve as links between individuals and families whenever misunderstandings arise.
The leadership of St. Joseph Catholic Church appealed to the Anambra State Government, led by Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to provide greater support for women focused programmes in churches and communities.
The church leadership noted that empowering women to contribute meaningfully to family and community life could strengthen responsible parenting, promote moral values and contribute to peaceful communities.
The August meeting encouraged members to sustain the annual CWO tradition of visiting and strengthening relationships with their husbands’ families, describing the practice as an opportunity to promote reconciliation, unity and stronger family bonds.
Among those who participated was Mrs. Ifeoma Mercy Akolisa, popularly known as Evangelist Ifeoma Mercy Akolisa, a member of the organisation and a respected evangelist in the community.
The gathering recognised and encouraged women whose contributions to their families, Church and communities have been exemplary, urging others to become positive influences and agents of peace.
The meeting concluded with prayers for peace, unity and progress in families, the church, Ihiala community and Anambra State.
The CWO reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the message that peaceful families are the foundation of peaceful communities, encouraging women to build bridges rather than walls, choose dialogue over conflict and make reconciliation and godly living a priority.
Ifeyinwa Akaolisa is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State.
