Christian Mothers urged to embrace leadership and empower women at Yendi Diocesan Conference

Catholic women have been urged to rise to leadership not only in the Church but also in society, speakers at the 2025 Christian Mothers Association Conference in Yendi have urged.

The call came during the three-day diocesan gathering held from May 16–18 at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral, where the association also elected new executives to lead their mission of faith and service.

Mr. Bopam Augustine, Commander of the Ghana Prisons Service in Yendi and chairman of the occasion, praised the role of women in shaping society. He cited Liberia’s female president and Ghana’s first female Vice President as shining examples of women’s capacity to lead. “Women have proven to be better managers of affairs,” he said. “I encourage Christian Mothers to take up leadership roles in the Church, their communities, and their workplaces.”

The conference, held every three years, brought together Catholic mothers from across the Diocese for a time of reflection, spiritual formation, and renewal of their commitment to service. This year’s theme, “Be Full of Grace”, reminded participants of their calling to live in holiness and to let God’s grace transform every aspect of their lives, including their influence as women leaders.

The Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Yitiereh, presided over the closing Mass and called on the mothers to live out their identity in grace by showing love and action. “If we say we’re Christian Mothers and have received the grace of God, then it should manifest in the love and affection we show to ourselves,” he said. “When one loves, there’s always action to accompany that love.”

The conference was also marked by strong ecumenical support. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission Women’s Wing in Yendi, led by Awal Neina Nihad, congratulated the Christian Mothers and encouraged interfaith collaboration for peacebuilding and women’s empowerment.

Newly elected President of the Diocesan Christian Mothers Association, Mother Clothilda Adongo, in her acceptance speech, expressed gratitude for the trust reposed in her leadership. “We are honoured by this opportunity to serve,” she said. “We will use this platform to strengthen women in faith and empower them to take their place in building up the Church and society.”

Very Rev. Fr. Abraham Wumbeiyili, Spiritual Director of the association, encouraged the new leadership to work diligently and build on the achievements of their predecessors. He also invited outgoing leaders to continue supporting the group with their experience and guidance.