Nairobi, Kenya -- Ethics and leadership
In line with Pope Benedict XVI’s encyclical Deus Caritas Est, Kianda Foundation organized a series of conferences to spread knowledge of the social doctrine of the Church among women who hold managerial posts in various types of businesses.
The first four sessions, directed by Catherine Dean and Rose Catacutan, professors of ethics at Strathmore College, were held in 2007 and 2008. These dealt with such topics as the dignity of the human person, the common good, and the principles of solidarity and subsidiarity. Each conference was followed by a “case study” that tried to apply the principles discussed to the specific circumstances of Kenyan society.
The conferences took place in the Jacaranda Hotel in Nairobi. Among the participants were the president and executive director of Maendeleo ya Wanawake, Rukia Subow and Bernadette Musundi, respectively. Maendeleo ya Wanawake (”Women for Development”) is a non-governmental organization founded 56 years ago with the aim of improving the social and economic situation of the women of Kenya. More than four million women belong to the organization. With some 25,000 affiliated groups, it holds a position of clear national leadership. It has helped many women to take up posts of responsibility in Kenyan society, whether in politics, in the private sector or in government organizations. The cycle of conferences will continue throughout 2009.
Romana, n. 47, July-December 2008, p. 336.