“A society that excludes half of its wisdom cannot build a complete future.”
The World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations (WUCWO), in collaboration with Catholic Action Malta (Azzjoni Kattolika Maltija, AKM) and with the support of the Maltese Episcopal Conference, brought together 92 participants for its IV Meeting with Women of the Middle East and the Mediterranean, “Women: A Safe Haven for a Troubled Humanity”, held in Malta from 23 to 26 October 2026. Women from 34 countries and regions around the world participated, including members of the WUCWO Board.
“Too often, women are invited to the conversation about peace after the decisions have already been made. But women do not arrive after conflict. Women live through conflict. Women carry their families through conflict. Women rebuild communities after conflict. Women preserve hope during conflict,” Dr Bassima Sam’an emphasised.
She highlighted how women across the Middle East and the Mediterranean have become the invisible architects of resilience, calling for their leadership to be recognised as an essential part of peacebuilding. She concluded: “A society that excludes half of its wisdom cannot build a complete future.”
The gathering featured three thematic panels exploring the experiences and challenges faced by women in the Middle East and the Mediterranean, including their experiences as Catholic women and, in most contexts, as members of religious minorities. Discussions focused on the role of women as safe havens in their communities, concrete ways to safeguard human dignity in situations of conflict, and how women can contribute to peace and reconciliation.
Throughout the meeting, women’s testimonies highlighted the essential role they play in sustaining families, strengthening communities and building peace in contexts marked by conflict and division.
Nuha Farran, reflecting on the power of words, highlighted how language can foster dignity, mutual understanding and peace, but can also make people feel invisible. “Before we speak about peace between peoples, we must ask whether our language gives peace to the person in front of us,” she said.
Farran called on participants to turn words into concrete commitments by listening before labelling others, making room for voices that often go unheard, and following through on promises with action. Her message was a reminder that peacebuilding begins not only in institutions and international dialogue, but also in the way people listen to and treat one another in their daily lives.
A roundtable with experts explored the challenges faced by women and communities across the region, as well as ways to respond to them.
Maje Martin, collaborator of the Apostolic Prefecture of Morrocco, highlighted the importance of respecting the autonomy of women in vulnerable situations and ensuring that they can make informed decisions about their own lives. “Protection and autonomy are not opposing concepts. A truly safe space should allow a person to recover her voice, her decision-making capacity and her autonomy,” she explained.
Reflecting on the experience of people who migrate and leave behind familiar networks of support, Martin also emphasised the importance of building communities where people can find not only practical assistance, but also trust, belonging and understanding.
Participants also took part in Conversations in the Spirit, reflecting on the personal changes and shared commitments needed to make their families, communities and parishes safe havens for peace. Deeply moved by the testimonies they had heard, they highlighted the importance of listening with empathy, overcoming prejudice, welcoming differences and ensuring that no woman feels alone or unheard.
They also called for concrete action, including:
- Strengthening networks of prayer and solidarity,
- Creating safe spaces for women to share their stories,
- Extending the experience of the meeting to their local communities.
These conversations reaffirmed a shared conviction: peace begins in our relationships and every community can become a place of refuge, dignity and hope. Particular attention was also given to supporting those who care for others.
In her closing remarks, WUCWO President General, Mónica Santamarina, said: “Dear sisters, we thank you for your powerful testimony of resilience, faith, courage and commitment, and especially for the trust you have placed in us. Thank you for touching our hearts. You can be sure that in WUCWO you have a safe haven, where you will always be heard, your voices will be amplified and your stories will be brought to light.”
The meeting reaffirmed the essential contribution of women’s voices, experiences and leadership to building bridges of peace and reconciliation. It also renewed a shared commitment to creating communities around the world where every person is recognised, treated with dignity and welcomed with hope.
Building safe havens means turning words into action.
WUCWO Communication Office
