Today, on International Human Rights Day, WUCWO took part as a member of the jury—represented by our Secretary General, Lavinia Rocchi—at the award ceremony of the “Weavers of Hope” prizes. These awards, organised by Caritas Internationalis in Rome, recognise the vital contribution of women in building hope, care, and solidarity within their communities.
On this occasion, Lavinia Rocchi shared a reflection on behalf of the organisation, highlighting the essential role of women in defending human rights, exercising community leadership, and building hope in everyday life:
“Women are already weavers of hope. In contexts of poverty, violence, displacement, and also in places of prosperity and stability, women are constantly building bridges, sustaining families, and leading communities with creativity and resilience”.
She also recalled that today the world is at a “crossroads”: on one hand, women who promote education, care for creation, defend human dignity, and strengthen the social fabric; on the other hand, persistent challenges—discrimination, lack of recognition, violation of rights, and scarcity of resources—that continue to limit their leadership.
“Leadership comes from below and from the peripheries”
The ceremony also featured remarks by Prof. Emilce Cuda, Secretary of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, who recalled the words of Pope Francis: “Leadership comes from below and from the peripheries. A leader is recognised when there are consciences behind him who lovingly recognise him.”
During the event, the six award-winning organisations were announced—coming from Palestine, Bangladesh, Morocco, Malawi, Peru, and the Antilles—which develop exemplary projects in empowerment, resilience, women’s leadership, community communication, and the defense of the dignity of women in situations of particular vulnerability.
We are pleased to renew WUCWO’s commitment to human rights, to strengthening women’s leadership, and to the mission of weaving, together with other organisations, networks of hope that transform lives and communities throughout the world.
Full video here:
