Uzima Women Empowerment Program Secures Top Honor in Xavier’s Network Safeguarding Contest
By Edward Musungu
The Xavier Network recently held its inaugural Safeguarding Championship contest showcasing the collaborative efforts of Jesuits organizations worldwide in their mission to promote justice.
Comprising 14 members spanning mission offices and non-governmental development organizations across 87 countries, the Xavier Network oversees approximately 2,000 projects aimed at addressing pressing social issues and advancing the common good. Among these initiatives, the Uzima Women Empowerment Program, facilitated through the Irish Jesuit International (IJI) arm, stood out for its outstanding accomplishments.
In an exceptional achievement, the Uzima Women Empowerment Program secured first place in the contest, reaffirming its dedication to safeguarding vulnerable children and adults in the Kangemi slum area. This recognition underscored the program’s commitment to ethical conduct and accountability.
During the award acceptance ceremony hosted at St. Joseph Technical Secondary School (SJTSS), Ms Emer Kerrigan, serving in the capacity of Xavier Network Coordinator and IJI Deputy Director, underscored the pivotal importance of safeguarding within any organization. Stressing the necessity for strict adherence to safeguarding protocols, she emphasized on its pivotal role in cultivating a secure and inclusive environment for all stakeholders engaged in Jesuit endeavors globally.
In a closely contested competition, Fe y Alegría Columbia emerged runner-up, further highlighting the global reach and impact of the Xavier Network’s endeavors.
In light of the Xavier Network’s ongoing expansion and increasing influence, this event stood as indispensable forum for honoring accomplishments, exchanging invaluable insights, and reasserting the collective dedication to furthering the mission of justice and solidarity upheld by the Jesuits Community.
