Empowered Voices: Theology, Safeguarding & Transformation

The 2024/2025 academic year at Hekima University College marked a remarkable milestone towards Empowered Voices: 161 religious sisters were fully sponsored by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, joining a one-year theology certificate programme supported by the Hilton‑Hekima Sisters Scholars Initiative. This initiative, rooted in Ignatian pedagogy, has provided these sisters with theological education and empowered them to become theologians and safeguarding agents, thereby significantly impacting their lives and the communities they serve. The programme trains religious women—and some courageous laywomen—in theology and safeguarding the vulnerable through the Jesuit Centre for Safeguarding in Africa (JCSA).

From Quiet Service to Courageous Theologians

One sister from rural Zimbabwe, who had never seen a library before, once asked, “What can theology offer someone like me?” A year later, she stood before her community as a theologian—not just a caregiver. She discovered that theology is not a distant concept but a transformative force that immerses us deeply, shaping us to bring hope amid suffering with profound compassion.

Today, we celebrate these sisters—161 of them—who embraced theology with unwavering faith and courage. Their journey was not without wounds and doubt, but they persevered. Theology is not a destination with a certificate; it’s a continuous, living mission of spiritual and social transformation.

Inclusion of Lay Women & Ongoing Mentorship

This academic year also welcomed laywomen alongside religious sisters. One lay student shared her excitement, “I graduate tomorrow!” This diversity enriches the learning community. Scholarships offered last year are renewed this year for the top four performers. One such scholar, Sister Mascarin, has advanced into a bachelor’s programme—proof that theological formation unlocks greater potential.

Hekima’s alum network—accessible via the Alumni Association website—is designed to maintain connections, foster mentorship, and host essay competitions that encourage continued formation beyond graduation.

Theology with a Feminine Face

Today’s ceremony transcends being a graduation—it’s a commissioning. Training women to speak with—and to—God challenges longstanding assumptions. For too long, theology has been narrated primarily by men; a unique perspective emerges in these sisters’ voices. This is what we call ‘feminine theology’, which is not defined by gender but incorporates the wisdom, memory, imagination, and conscience often associated with the feminine experience, enriching our understanding of theology and its application in service and safeguarding. They are lionesses who speak truth, justice, and healing—Empowered Voices the Church needs now more than ever.

Theology in Action: Presence, Compassion, and Liberation

Like the disciples sent after the Transfiguration, these sisters return to ministries empowered—armed with knowledge, deep spiritual formation, and a new confidence. In a continent scarred by conflict and marginalization, these sisters are called to bring hope, healing, and courage.

Pope Francis reminds us, “We are Christians by our love.” These graduates are ready to teach about theology and live it, embodying integral formation, spiritual sensitivity, and pastoral accompaniment.

Safeguarding: A Core Dimension of Mission

Integral to this formation is safeguarding vulnerable children and adults—a collaboration between Hekima and JCSA. JCSA, launched in 2021 at Hekima, emerged from calls issued at the 36th General Congregation of the Society of Jesus and Pope Francis’ Motu Proprio ‘As a loving mother’. Its mandate is to build a culture of protection and accountability within the Church in an African context where harm often remains hidden. The “Child Safeguarding and Protection of Vulnerable Adults Certificate Course” empowers participants with interdisciplinary knowledge—blending theology, psychology, sociology, and law—to support survivors and protect those most at risk.

In Turkana, Kenya, JCSA-trained missionaries strengthened safeguarding at Nariokotome Mission. Hands-on workshops, case-based learning, and faith-centered reflections have created compassionate, accountable environments for children and other vulnerable persons. Moreover, JCSA’s online training equips church workers across Africa. Since January 2025, 170 participants have joined webinars exploring digital safeguarding and abuse prevention in church contexts.

Hekima’s Commitment to a Safe, Thriving Community and Empowered Voices

As stated by Hekima leadership, “We are at the forefront of promoting a consistent culture of protection through rigorous safeguarding training.” Their Jesuit values include cura personalis—care for the whole person—which extends to intellectual formation and protecting well-being.

Every graduate of the Hilton‑Hekima programme is equipped with theological depth and the ability to foster pastoral environments that are safe, inclusive, and life‑affirming.

Carrying the Mission of Empowered Voices Forward

Class of 2025, your graduation is a celebration and a significant milestone. Your commission is not just a role but a crucial mission to serve as theologians, safeguarding agents, mentors, and faithful witnesses.

Speak the truth—in villages, schools, hospitals, refugee camps, and beyond.
Serve with presence—listening, walking alongside, and advocating for vulnerability.
Protect with conviction—building cultures of accountability, responding to harm, and proclaiming God’s justice and mercy.

Dream big: many of you might pursue advanced degrees (BA, MA, PhD) and become future teachers, researchers, or leaders at Hekima or beyond. Stay connected: The Hekima Alumni Association invites you to join its database and participate in ongoing events, scholarship opportunities, and safeguarding communities of practice.

Gratitude to Partners

This is possible because partners believe in elevating women and protecting the vulnerable.

The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, guided by Sister Jane Walker Hill, provided full scholarships for 161 sisters this year alone. Mr. Hilton believed deeply that “when you educate a woman, you transform a village.”
Hekima University College, led by Rev. Dr. Marcel Uwineza and dedicated faculty, offers holistic Ignatian formation grounded in faith that does justice.
JCSA implements safeguarding training and cultivates online communities committed to the safety of minors and vulnerable adults across Africa.