By Waure Eddy
YAMBIO, WESTERN EQUATORIA STATE — Women leaders from three parishes in the Catholic Diocese of Tombura–Yambio gathered at the Bishop’s residence curia on Thursday for a one-day training workshop on non-violence, unity and peacebuilding, in an event that highlighted the growing role of women as agents of peace and community transformation.
The workshop drew women from St. Mary Parish Mother of God, St. Augustine Parish, and St. Bakitha Parish, who spent the day learning practical approaches to building peaceful families and communities — essential in a region seeking reconciliation and social cohesion. The Catholic Diocese of Tombura–Yambio, established in 1949 and currently shepherded by Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, has consistently emphasised the importance of peacebuilding and unity in its pastoral mission amid ongoing national and local challenges.
Training Led by Peace Advocate
The training was facilitated by Sr. Gamboripai Hellen, from the congregation of the International League of Peace. She serves as acting manager for women and family within the Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CODEP) — the social development arm of the Diocese that works to promote peace, justice, and community development.
Sr. Hellen opened the session with words of gratitude and encouragement for the women in attendance.
“Today I’m very grateful to see these women gathered in large numbers to attend the one-day training on non-violence,” she said. “This workshop went on well without any problem, and the women expressed their roles in peacebuilding, showing how important they are in society.”
During her presentation, Sr. Hellen explained that the programme was organised in partnership with women working in Masia and the Diocese to empower women leaders with tools for peace, unity and love — key pillars of stable families and resilient communities.
Role of Women in Peace and Family Life
The training emphasised how mothers and women leaders play a central role in shaping future generations, instilling values of non-violence, compassion and harmony within the home. Participants explored how non-violent communication, mutual respect, and conflict resolution can be practised daily to strengthen relationships and reduce tension in families and neighbourhoods.
The atmosphere at the Bishop’s residence was warm and joyful, with women from different parishes offering gifts to Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala and celebrating the unity they experienced through the workshop.
Representatives from the participating parishes spoke passionately about how the training had broadened their understanding of peace and community leadership.
“This workshop has opened our eyes to the importance of peace and non-violence in our families and communities,” said Anita Peter, a women’s representative. “We are thankful to Sr. Hellen and the Diocese for bringing us together. Today we feel more united, and we are ready to carry this message of peace back to our parishes.”
Bishop Encourages Continued Commitment
In his remarks after the training, Bishop Hiiboro Kussala blessed the women and encouraged them to continue working together despite coming from different parish backgrounds. The Bishop reiterated the Church’s longstanding call for peace and unity — a theme he has emphasised repeatedly in recent diocesan messages, including his Advent appeal for peace amid conflict and trauma in the region.
“Seeing groups come together is very important in our communities,” the Bishop said. “It allows you to bring different ideas on how groups can grow faster and develop. Continue with the good work, and God will answer your prayers.”
He also pledged to work closely with Sr. Hellen to seek funding that will support women’s initiatives, underscoring the importance of sustainable programmes that uplift women and their families. The Bishop highlighted the vital role women play not only in the home but within the wider society, and urged men to show special appreciation for their contributions.
As a gesture of support, Bishop Hiiboro donated 300,000 SSP to the three women’s groups to assist with Christmas celebrations, specifying that the funds be used to purchase sweets for Christmas Eve, bringing joy to families and fostering community spirit.
A Call to Strengthen Community Bonds
In his closing remarks, the Bishop encouraged the women to continue loving and caring for children and families in their communities. He reminded both mothers and women without children to remain prayerful and steadfast in trusting God’s plan, recognising the profound influence women have in cultivating peace and harmony.
The event underscores the Catholic Diocese of Tombura–Yambio’s broader commitment to peace education and social cohesion in Western Equatoria, reflecting initiatives by the Church and partners to promote unity, trauma healing, and community well-being through faith-based programmes
