Recently, Ambassador Anthony C.Y. Ho, accompanied by Counselor David Li and Secretary Wei Wang, visited the Rome headquarters of the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations (WUCWO) to present the Taiwanese government's donation in support of the "Digital Empowerment of Women Leaders and Catholic Networks in Africa" project.
With more than 8 million members worldwide, WUCWO will use this project to strengthen the digital skills of 50 focal points across five African nations, including Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Malawi, and Uganda, enabling them to expand grassroots efforts to combat gender-based violence and promote women’s empowerment.
The ceremony was presided over by WUCWO Secretary General Lavinia Rocchi Carrera, while President General Mónica Santamarina and Project Director Ana Martiarena joined virtually from Mexico and Argentina, respectively. WUCWO leaders and staff in Rome were also present. Joining online from Africa were Ambassador Allen C. Lou of the Taiwan Representative Office in Somaliland, Secretary Aaron Hsu of the Taipei Trade Office in Nigeria, Secretary Tim Wen of the Taipei Liaison Office in the Republic of South Africa, alongside several WUCWO African women leaders who witnessed the ceremony and shared inspiring testimonies.
In his remarks, Ambassador Ho noted that Taiwan’s support, provided through digital equipment and resources, will help WUCWO strengthen community outreach within Catholic networks, expand educational opportunities for women, and address gender-based violence. Guided by President Lai Ching-te’s vision of "Values-based Diplomacy" and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung’s "Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project", Taiwan works with WUCWO to put the spirit of "Taiwan Can Help" into action. Ambassador Ho firmly believes that our Shared Values nurture a Shared Vision, and expressed hope that this Shared Vision will lead to a Shared Victory, making further contributions to women’s empowerment and sustainable development in Africa.
President Santamarina expressed her sincere gratitude for the Taiwanese government’s support and the embassy’s assistance. She emphasized that women's leadership is a crucial driving force for social transformation, upholding human dignity, and realizing justice and peace. She looks forward to leveraging this collaboration to advance women’s rights in Africa and work together to build a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable society.
