On Sunday 21 April 2024, there was an exhibition and panel discussion focused on five heroic women of world renown at the Karibuni Library that is run by the Teresian Association in Kinshasa.
This event was part of our celebrations to mark the first centenary of the pontifical approval of the TA. It brought together researchers, students, advocates for gender equality, PA-ACIT members and friends of the Teresian Association. The presentations and discussions paid tribute to several women, models of courage and resistance because they took a stand for what they believed in and they worked for social change:
Kimpa Vita, who lived in the 18th century, fought for the reunification of the Kingdom of Kongo. She opposed colonisation and was burned alive at the stake by order of King Peter IV.
Wangari Maathai was a Kenyan biologist, political activist and environmentalist. She was known as “the woman who planted millions of trees”. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace. Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement, an environmental NGO focused on tree planting and conservation. Thanks to her, more than 51 million trees have been planted in her region.
Rosa Parks, was an iconic figure in the struggle against racial segregation in the United States. She is often referred to as “the mother of the civil rights movement”. Her refusal to give up her seat to a white passenger on a bus in 1955 sparked the Montgomery bus boycott. This gesture was a catalyst for the civil rights movement in the United States.
Victoria Díez, a Spanish martyr who has been beatified, was a member of the Teresian Association. She was a teacher and gave herself totally to her mission. She was killed in 1936 during the Spanish Civil War for her faith and commitment to education. Pope John Paul II beatified her in 1993 for her dedication and sacrifice.
Narges Mohammadi is an Iranian human rights activist and vice-president of the Defenders of Human Rights Centre. She has been arrested and imprisoned several times for her work defending human rights and advocating against the death penalty. In 2023, while in prison, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her struggle against the oppression of women in Iran and for promoting human rights and freedom.
They continue to inspire
The panel speakers included two members of the Teresian Association. Carine Wasuta presented Blessed Victoria Diez and Laurette Montzola presented Kimpa Vita and Wangari Maathai as role models of awareness and action.
“I thank the Library for this great opportunity; I have learned a lot from what these women from around the world have achieved. It is edifying when we understand the reason for their struggles. I would recommend that the Library should continue on this path as it is discussions like these that allow us to enrich ourselves and broaden our knowledge about what we do not know,” said Guy Omanga, one of the participants at the event.
The Karibuni Library used this activity to provide a space for reflection and recognition of these women because their actions continue to inspire struggles for justice and equality around the world.
Laurette Mondzola, KInshasa.
Original French.
Published in News