St Anne’s Sodality: Every woman and girl must live with dignity and freedom

Sheila Pires – Pretoria

Speaking to Vatican News, the National President of St Anne’s Sodality of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC), Mrs. Lindiwe Zondi, emphasised that the Church must continue advocating for the protection and empowerment of women and girls.

“Every woman and girl, regardless of background or ability, must live with dignity and freedom,” she said, reflecting on the significance of International Women’s Day and the need for concrete action in addressing violence and discrimination.

St Anne’s Sodality, one of the largest Catholic women’s association in Southern Africa, has a presence in 26 dioceses and counts more than 18,000 members. Guided by its motto — to serve the family, the Church, and the community — members are actively involved in parish ministries, family accompaniment, and outreach to vulnerable persons.

“Our work is centred on supporting families, assisting those in need, and participating fully in the life of the Church,” Zondi explained. “We visit communities, accompany the vulnerable, and offer practical support such as food, clothing, and care.”

The crisis of gender-based violence

The mission of the sodality unfolds against the backdrop of a severe crisis of Gender-based violence in South Africa.

Women constitute just over half of South Africa’s population — about 51 percent — yet many continue to face violence in their homes and communities. National research indicates that more than half of women report experiencing some form of gender-based violence. Studies also show that roughly one in three women has experienced physical violence during her lifetime, while nearly one in ten has faced sexual violence. Overall, more than a third of adult women in the country have experienced physical or sexual violence.

The crisis is further reflected in the country’s femicide rates, which are estimated to be five times higher than the global average. South Africa has also been ranked among the countries with the highest rates of female deaths linked to interpersonal violence.

Within this context, Zondi says Catholic women are working at the grassroots level to accompany victims and promote awareness.

“Gender-based violence affects many women in our communities,” she said. “Through our gatherings, conferences, and workshops, we speak openly about these issues and encourage women to seek support and stand up for their dignity.”

Members of St Anne's Sodality

Formation, solidarity, and empowerment

St Anne’s Sodality also works closely with the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations (WUCWO), particularly through the World Women’s Observatory (WWO), an initiative that listens to women’s experiences and advocates for their rights.

Information and pastoral insights shared through this global network are passed on to parish communities, where much of the practical work takes place.

“Many women who suffer violence cannot afford counselling,” Zondi explained. “But through the sodality they find a space where they can speak, be listened to, and receive support from other women.”

The St Anne’s Sodality also promotes mentorship programmes in which experienced women accompany younger girls, helping them grow in confidence, leadership, and faith.

Women and the synodal journey

Reflecting on the call of the Synod on Synodality, Zondi highlighted the importance of greater participation of women in the life and leadership of the Church.

“If women are more involved in leadership, it will help them to be recognised and contribute more visibly in the Church,” she said. “We must journey together as brothers and sisters, collaborating in the mission of the Church.”

For the women of St Anne’s Sodality, she added, the message of International Women’s Day remains clear: defending dignity, promoting justice, and ensuring that women and girls can live in safety and freedom.