On the occasion of International Women's Day, WUCWO organisations in Spain actively participated in various meetings to reflect on the role of women in the Church and in society.

In Albacete, WUCWO was present at the VIII Day “Woman and Church”, organised by the Bishopric. On this occasion, the conference ‘The women of WUCWO in a synodal Church’ was given, in which the origins of the organisation, the initiatives developed since the last Assembly held in Assisi in 2023, and the role of the World Women´s Observatory were dealt with. The importance of collaboration between women and men to promote women's participation and co-responsibility in the Church and society was highlighted, underlining the need for cooperation between ecclesial and civil organisations to achieve this objective.

During the day, the words of Pope Francis were quoted: “Demands that the legitimate rights of women be respected, based on the firm conviction that men and women are equal in dignity, present the Church with profound and challenging questions which cannot be lightly evaded.” It was emphasised that, although in Europe these rights are more guaranteed than in other continents, the strive for equality is still necessary.

The decision of WUCWO Spain to work on the resolution ‘Building the future with migrants and refugees’ (2023-2027), in which various institutions such as Acción Católica General, Acción Social Empresarial, Asociación Católica de Propagandistas, Adoración Nocturna Femenina and Manos Unidas are collaborating, was also reported. Meetings have been organised to work together on this resolution and to share their reflections with WUCWO at the international level. In addition, three key projects were presented: ‘African Network against Violence and Discrimination against Women’, ‘Access to Justice for Migrant Women in Mexico’ and ‘Women and Synodality: WUCWO School of Synodality’. The session concluded with an invitation to the participants to join these initiatives and with the final reflection: ‘Living the fullness like Mary’.

Round table in Toledo

On the other hand, in Toledo, the Vicariate of the Laity organised a round table on the role of women in the Church in the light of the Social Doctrine of the Church. At the end of the meeting, the delegate of the Secular Apostolate, Inmaculada López, presented WUCWO and the diocesan team that will energise and publicise its work in the region. Although the group has recently begun its work with two preliminary meetings, it has already announced an event scheduled for the upcoming 13th of May, UMOFC Day, to which they invite the entire community.