The New GSIJP Team: Bringing a global perspective to local realities

The New GSIJP Team: Bringing a global perspective to local realities

The New GSIJP Team: Bringing a global perspective to local realities

The New GSIJP Team: Bringing a global perspective to local realities

The New GSIJP Team: Bringing a global perspective to local realities

The New GSIJP Team: Bringing a global perspective to local realities

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By Liam Michael Quinn, Congregational Communications Manager, Rome

 

In 2025, the Congregation is developing the Chapter Directive calling for the creation of a Universal Culture of Justice in our lives and our work as Good Shepherd mission partners. An integral part of this process will be the work of the new Good Shepherd International Justice and Peace team.

The new team consists of Sr. Margaret Lynch, Sr. Taskila Nicholas, and Ms. Kimberly Happich Moloche. Coming from different cultural and ministry backgrounds, they will seek to bring the voices of Good Shepherd mission partners and ministry to the highest international levels and assist in bringing a global perspective to local realities.

Sr. Margaret, from the Province of Ireland has over 20 years of experience in supporting development projects internationally through her role with Misean Cara, and previously served in the GSIJP office in Geneva. Margaret has taken up the role of the GSIJP Team Coordinator and as the link person with the Europe Circle.  She has a particular interest in the areas of migration, reconciliation, and peace-building.

Kimberly is the Main NGO Representative to the UN in New York, leading efforts to connect grassroots realities with global advocacy. She serves as the primary contact for the North America and REAL Circles. With a background in international communication and law, Kimberly brings strategic insight and a strong commitment to justice and dignity for all – especially girls, women, and children. From August 2022 to June 2024, she worked under Winifred Doherty’s leadership, engaging in advocacy, mentoring, and networking to amplify stakeholder representation at the United Nations.

Sr. Taskila, as the Country Representative of GISF Nepal from 2018 to 2024, brings extensive expertise in disaster management and an integral approach to social development. Her experience ranges from implementing empowerment programs at the grassroots level to advocating for systemic change at the national level. In her new role, she serves as the Main NGO Representative to the UN in Geneva and as the link liaison for the Asia Pacific and RIMOA Circles. Guided by the Congregational Position Papers, she will seek to amplify the voices of the marginalized, bridging grassroots realities with international platforms such as the CRC, UNHRC, UPR, and CEDAW.

The Communications Office recently interviewed the GSIJP team on taking up their new roles.

 

Communications Office: You have been together since November 2024; how has the transition been to create the new GSIJP team?

GSIJP team: The transition has been an enriching journey of collaboration and shared purpose. Together, we’ve taken the time to build trust, align our diverse perspectives, and root ourselves in the Congregation’s mission of fostering a universal culture of justice and peace. Each team member brings unique expertise and passion, which strengthens our capacity to advocate effectively. Our early months have been filled with listening, learning, and envisioning how we can amplify the voices of the vulnerable and promote systemic change.

 

CO: Winifred Doherty previously led GSIJP before the new team. What baton has she passed to you? What legacy of hers do you most want to spearhead?

GSIJP: Winifred’s leadership of 16 years has left an indelible mark on the mission of Good Shepherd International Justice and Peace. She embodied a profound commitment to systemic change, ensuring that the voices of the marginalized—especially girls and women—resonate at the global level. The baton she has passed is one of fearless advocacy and an unwavering dedication to justice. Her legacy inspires us to continue centering lived experiences in policy discussions and fostering collaboration that drives meaningful change.

 

CO: What will be your areas of focus in this new phase of GSIJP?

GSIJP: We recognize the interconnected nature of the issues outlined in our six Position Papers. The new team aims to amplify this interconnectedness, addressing systemic injustices holistically. By integrating our advocacy efforts across all six areas, we hope to create a broader and more cohesive impact that upholds the dignity of all those we serve.

 

CO: As we move towards further collaboration and integration between the different Offices and structures of the Congregation, how do you see GSIJP working more closely with the broader Congregation?

GSIJP: Collaboration with the broader Congregation is an opportunity to deepen the synergy between local ministries and global advocacy as well as create a more holistic approach to all of our work. By fostering open communication and sharing resources, we aim to ensure that grassroots stories inform our advocacy at the UN while also equipping local ministries with the tools and knowledge to engage in systemic change. This two-way partnership strengthens the Congregation’s collective voice, amplifying our impact in ways that honor the richness of our shared mission.

 

CO: How do you see the work of GSIJP responding to the Call to Action to move towards a Universal Culture of Justice?

GSIJP: The Call to Action is a profound invitation to transform our world through systemic change and advocacy and a challenge to look at our whole lives through the lens of justice and equality. GSIJP’s specific work responds by prioritizing collaboration with governments, NGOs, and UN agencies to influence policies that uphold the human dignity of all, especially girls and women. We see this as a call to foster inclusion, equity, and sustainability at every level. Through education, partnerships, and direct engagement with decision-makers, we are committed to building a world where justice is not an ideal but a lived reality.

 

CO: Finally, what new initiatives, actions, or advocacy work do you plan to implement in 2025?

GSIJP: These twelve months will be a time of action and transformation. Building on our strategic vision, we plan to deepen advocacy on key issues. We aim to enhance grassroots-global synergy by creating toolkits and amplifying local successes. Capacity-building initiatives will empower both the GSIJP team and the wider Congregation. Through campaigns, we will highlight our commitment to justice and human dignity. As we navigate this transition, we are focused on laying a strong foundation that ensures our work honors the legacy of those before us while boldly advancing toward a future rooted in justice, peace, and compassion.

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