By Good Shepherd International Justice and Peace
As part of the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), the Good Shepherd International Justice and Peace (GSIJP) team joined a powerful coalition of Catholic women religious congregations to host the parallel event, “Beijing Platform for Action: Women and Church Action for Gender Equity.” Held on March 11 at the UN in New York, the session highlighted the courageous leadership of women religious in challenging patriarchal structures and in advancing gender equality.
Moderated by Kimberly Happich Moloche, GSIJP Director of Advocacy, the event brought together esteemed women religious leaders, including Sr. Margaret Lynch, GSIJP Coordinator for GSIJP. In her compelling address, Margaret shed light on the persistent challenges faced by women religious as they navigate and confront gender-based injustices within the Church and society.
Margaret underscored the visionary leadership of St. Mary Euphrasia, the founder of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, who defied social and religious barriers in the 19th century to create safe spaces for girls and women in vulnerable situations. She recounted a striking example of St. Mary Euphrasia’s ingenuity when she faced opposition in expanding her ministry. In 1855, needing more space to serve women and girls in need, she purchased an old abbey but was denied permission to move between properties through public streets. Undeterred, she orchestrated the construction of a 55-meter underground tunnel, proving that obstacles—whether societal or structural—could be overcome with persistence and collective effort.
Margaret also highlighted the Congregation’s contemporary work, particularly in supporting women in situations of prostitution. She shared the story of the Good Shepherd’s Oasis Project in Brazil, which was established in response to the forced segregation of women in situations of prostitution during military rule. This initiative continues to provide emotional support, empowerment opportunities, and pathways out of exploitation for over 1,000 women, including cisgender and transgender individuals, in a community still dominated by 200 brothels.
Addressing the need for practical solutions in the fight for gender justice, Margaret recalled the challenges faced by Good Shepherd Sisters in advocating for condom use during the HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s. Despite opposition from Church authorities, sisters working with women in situations of prostitution insisted on harm reduction strategies, including condom distribution and healthcare advocacy, to protect women’s lives. Their courageous stance exemplified the Congregation’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing dignity, health, and justice over restrictive dogma.
“Women religious have historically been idealized or dismissed based on their celibacy, while women in situations of prostitution have been stigmatized for their sexual experiences,” Margaret noted. “Our work challenges these binary narratives and seeks a holistic understanding of women’s dignity, one rooted in justice, compassion, and systemic change.”
The discussion also reflected on the legacy of women religious as agents of social transformation, particularly in addressing economic inequality, human trafficking, and gender-based violence. Panelists from various congregations echoed the need for deeper interfaith collaboration and stronger institutional support to amplify the voices of women advocating for justice.
Margaret’s insights reinforced the Good Shepherd Sisters’ unwavering commitment to accompanying women and girls in their struggles for dignity and equality. As CSW continues to serve as a global platform for gender advocacy, the Congregation remains at the forefront, ensuring that faith-based perspectives contribute meaningfully to policy discussions and grassroots action.
As the session concluded, Kimberly invited attendees to engage further with the speakers, sparking a rich exchange of ideas and strategies for continued advocacy. “Today’s conversation is not the end—it is a call to action,” Kimberly affirmed. “Together, through faith and partnership, we can break down systemic barriers and create a more just world for all women and girls.”
Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd Sisters and Partners-in-Mission continue to embody this vision, demonstrating that faith and justice are inseparable in the pursuit of gender equity.
