International Women’s Day: Synodality and Women’s role in leadership

Dr Trudy Dantis is the guest speaker at this year’s Catholic Women’s Taskforce annual International Women’s Day breakfast.

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on and honour the efforts of many women in forming a more inclusive and participatory church, according to the Director of the National Centre for Pastoral Research.

Dr Trudy Dantis is the guest speaker at this year’s Catholic Women’s Taskforce annual International Women’s Day breakfast.

“As a woman in the Second Assembly, I had the opportunity to learn and live synodality with other lay and clergy members, practising deep listening and engaging in conversations across a variety of cultural and ecclesiastical settings,” she said.

“The synodal process has raised women’s voices from many nations, each with their own unique experiences of faith, Church, and discipleship. Their contributions, moulded by many challenges, hopes, and responsibilities in their communities, enrich our shared journey and serve as a reminder that the Church is strongest when all voices are heard.”

Dr Dantis said the Synod’s Final Document reminds us that “we bear witness to the Gospel when we seek to live in relationships that respect the equal dignity and reciprocity between men and women”.

“As we commemorate International Women’s Day 2025 and work to increase women’s participation, particularly in discernment and decision-making processes and positions of responsibility, we renew our commitment to walking together in a spirit of cooperation and co-responsibility, ensuring that women’s contributions continue to enhance the life and mission of the Church,” she said.

Taskforce Chair Helena Zobec said the upcoming event was an exciting opportunity to host Dr Dantis.

“She has a lot of experience within the Catholic church as a female in a leadership role, which is a critical element that the taskforce supports,” she explained.

“So often, women have a leadership role in the background of parishes – they are often the unsung heroes who keep the cogs turning. This came out clearly in the Plenary, with one of the decrees addressing the equal dignity of men and women in the Catholic Church. It certainly supports the Pope’s directions on where he would like to see the Catholic Church going in terms of laity involvement.”

Mrs Zobec said the taskforce was passionate about providing an opportunity for Catholic women within the Archdiocese to participate in various activities that supported not only their faith, but their gender.

“I’ve always supported International Women’s Day because it is a platform where women can share information that is relevant to them in a range of areas, such as the gender pay gap, gender equality and gender-based violence, which is a big focus at the moment,” she said.

“It gives us the platform to seek speakers who are relevant to Catholic women in the Archdiocese.”

• Join the Catholic Women’s Taskforce of the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn for a special breakfast event celebrating International Women’s Day! Details can be found HERE