The Catholic Women Organisation Nigeria (CWON) has welcomed a new President, Hon. (Mrs.) Elizabeth Sonubi, a seasoned leader with a wealth of experience in public service and Catholic women’s organisations. Hon. Sonubi’s assumption of office marks a significant milestone for CWON, as the organisation continues to empower Catholic women and promote their role in the Church and society. Hon. Sonubi brings a distinguished background to her new role, having served as a Commissioner for Women Affairs, Ogun State and President of various strata of CWON at the diocesan and provincial levels. In this exclusive interview with the Editor, NETA NWOSU, she speaks on her top priorities for the next four years, role in promoting the welfare and empowerment of women as well as families in Nigeria, social justice, Catholic values and spiritual growth, and other contemporary issues. Excerpts:
Congratulations on your election as President of the Catholic Women Organisation Nigeria. What is your vision for the organisation, and what are your top priorities for the next four years?
I am honoured to serve as the 12th National President of CWON, with a vision to empower Catholic women and strengthen our role in the Church and society. Over the next four years, we will focus on leadership development, poverty alleviation, advocacy, family well-being, and evangelisation. Through training, mentorship, partnerships, and spiritual growth initiatives, we will uplift women and promote positive change. I am committed to leading with transparency, integrity, and dedication, ensuring CWON remains a pillar of strength for families, communities, and Nigeria as a whole.
How do you plan to build on the successes of your predecessor and address challenges facing the organisation?
I appreciate the contributions of my predecessor and past leaders who have built CWON into a beacon of faith and empowerment. My focus will be on continuity, innovation, and strategic growth – strengthening leadership training, poverty alleviation, and evangelisation while introducing new strategies for greater impact. To tackle challenges like economic constraints and social inequalities, we will partner with government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector to expand resources and advocacy efforts. We will also prioritise capacity-building and financial sustainability to empower our members. Above all, unity, faith, and collective action will drive us forward. With God’s grace and the support of our members, we will uplift women, strengthen families, and make a lasting impact on the Church and society.
What role do you see the Catholic Women Organisation Nigeria playing in promoting the welfare and empowerment of women and families in Nigeria?
CWON plays a vital role in empowering women and strengthening families across Nigeria. We will focus on leadership development, economic empowerment, and advocacy to ensure that women thrive in the Church and society. Through entrepreneurial training and microfinance support, we will help women achieve financial independence. We also promote strong family values through counseling and seminars while advocating for women’s rights, education, and health care. Most importantly, our foundation is built on faith and evangelisation, fostering spiritual growth through retreats and community outreach. Moving forward, we will expand these efforts, ensuring CWON remains a pillar of hope, empowerment, and transformation for Catholic women and families nationwide
You have had extensive experience in leadership roles, including serving as Commissioner for Women Affairs, Ogun State and President of the Catholic Women Organisation at the parish, diocesan and provincial levels. How do you think these experiences have prepared you for this new role?
My leadership experiences as Commissioner for Women Affairs and CWON President at parish, diocesan and provincial levels have equipped me with strategic planning, advocacy, and organisational management skills. These roles have deepened my understanding of women’s empowerment, policy-making, and community engagement, which are crucial for leading CWON at the national level. I have built strong networks, led impactful initiatives, and developed solutions to challenges affecting women and families. With this foundation, I am prepared to lead with vision, drive meaningful change, and strengthen CWON’s role in faith, society, and national development.
What leadership style do you plan to adopt as President of the Catholic Women Organisation Nigeria, and how will you engage with members, clergy, religious, other Catholic women societies and stakeholders?
As CWON President, I will adopt a collaborative and servant leadership style, fostering inclusivity, transparency, and empowerment. I will actively engage with members, clergy, religious leaders, and stakeholders through open communication, consultations, and strategic partnerships. By strengthening dialogue, organising forums, and building strong alliances with other Catholic women societies, we will create a united front for advocacy, faith development, and community impact. My goal is to ensure every member feels valued, heard, and empowered to contribute to CWON’s mission.
How will you balance the needs and interests of different provinces and dioceses within the organisation?
I will ensure equity, inclusivity, and fairness in addressing the diverse needs of CWON’s provinces and dioceses. By maintaining open communication, regular consultations, and collaborative decision-making, we will create a harmonised structure that respects local differences while advancing our shared mission. Through regional engagement, leadership training, and resource distribution, we will provide tailored support to each diocese, ensuring no region is left behind. My administration will foster unity in diversity, ensuring that CWON remains a strong, cohesive force for all Catholic women in Nigeria.
As a former Commissioner for Women Affairs, you deeply understand the challenges facing women in Nigeria. How do you plan to leverage the Catholic Women Organisation Nigeria to promote women’s empowerment and address issues of poverty, education, gender and health care?
Leveraging my experience as a former Commissioner for Women Affairs, I will use CWON as a platform to empower women by advocating for poverty alleviation, education, gender equality, and health care improvements. We will expand entrepreneurial training, microfinance access, and mentorship programmes to help women achieve financial independence. Through partnerships with educational institutions and advocacy for scholarships, we will support female education. CWON will also strengthen its campaigns against gender-based violence and collaborate with health organisations to improve maternal and child health care. By combining faith-based values with strategic action, we will create lasting change for women and families in Nigeria.
What role can the organisation play in promoting social justice and compassion in Nigeria, particularly in areas like human trafficking, maternal mortality, and girl-child education?
CWON will be a voice for social justice and compassion, actively addressing issues like human trafficking, maternal mortality, and girl-child education. We will raise awareness, advocate for stronger policies, and collaborate with government agencies and NGOs to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable women and children. To reduce maternal mortality, CWON will promote health education, prenatal care, and access to quality health care services. For girl-child education, we will support scholarships, mentorship programmes, and advocacy campaigns to ensure more girls have access to quality education. By combining faith-driven initiatives with strategic partnerships, we will drive meaningful change in society.
How will you collaborate with other organisations, government agencies, and faith-based groups to advance these goals?
CWON will actively collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and faith-based organisations to advance our goals in women’s empowerment, social justice, and community development. We will establish strategic partnerships to access resources, funding, and expertise in areas like education, health care, and advocacy. Through joint programmes, policy dialogues, and grassroots initiatives, we will amplify our impact in combating human trafficking, reducing maternal mortality, and promoting girl-child education. By fostering strong alliances and collective action, CWON will ensure sustainable solutions that uplift women, families, and society at large.
As President of the Catholic Women Organisation Nigeria, how do you plan to promote Catholic values and spirituality among members, while also addressing the social and economic challenges facing women and families in Nigeria?
CWON will uphold Catholic values and spirituality by strengthening evangelisation, prayer programmes, and faith-based outreach. We will organise retreats, spiritual workshops, and mentorship programmes to deepen members’ commitment to faith while promoting ethical leadership and moral values. At the same time, we will address social and economic challenges by empowering women through entrepreneurial training, microfinance access, advocacy, and education programmes. By balancing faith and action, CWON will serve as a pillar of spiritual growth, economic empowerment, and social transformation for women and families across Nigeria.
What initiatives will you introduce to foster spiritual growth and development among members, and how will you support them in their faith journey?
To foster spiritual growth, CWON will introduce regular retreats, prayer sessions, Bible studies, and faith-based workshops to strengthen members’ relationship with God. We will also promote Marian devotions, mentorship programmes, and faith-driven leadership training to deepen Catholic values. Additionally, we will support members’ faith journeys through counseling, spiritual guidance, and outreach programmes, ensuring they find strength in their faith while navigating life’s challenges. By integrating spirituality with service, CWON will empower women to live out their faith in their families, communities, and society.
How will you ensure that the organisation remains true to its Catholic identity while engaging with people of other faiths and backgrounds?
CWON will uphold its Catholic identity by staying rooted in Church teachings, doctrines, and values while promoting love, respect, and inclusivity in our engagements with people of other faiths. We will foster interfaith dialogue, collaboration on social causes, and community outreach while ensuring our activities reflect Catholic principles. By embracing charity, compassion, and moral leadership, we will build bridges across religious and cultural divides, promoting peace, unity, and shared human dignity.
What message do you have for the members of the Catholic Women Organisation Nigeria as you begin your tenure as President?
To my dear sisters in CWON, I am honoured to serve as your President and deeply grateful for your trust and support. As we embark on this journey together, I urge you to remain committed to our faith, unity and shared mission of uplifting women and strengthening families. Let us work together to empower one another, embrace leadership, and advocate for positive change in our Church and society. With faith, determination, and collective action, we will build a stronger, more impactful CWON. Through Mary, Our Mother, We Shall Succeed!
How can members and supporters of the organisation get involved and contribute to its mission and activities?
Members and supporters can actively contribute to CWON’s mission by participating in programmes, volunteering, and supporting advocacy efforts. They can engage in leadership training, evangelisation, mentorship, and charitable initiatives to uplift women and families. Financial and material contributions will also help sustain our poverty alleviation, education, and health care projects. Most importantly, through prayers, unity, and active involvement, every member can play a vital role in strengthening CWON’s impact in the Church and society.
What are your hopes and aspirations for the Catholic Women Organisation Nigeria in the years to come?
I envision a stronger, more united, and impactful CWON, where every Catholic woman is empowered, spiritually enriched, and actively contributing to society. My hope is for CWON to continue being a pillar of faith, leadership, and social transformation, fostering economic empowerment, education, and advocacy for women and families. Through faith, collaboration, and dedication, I aspire for CWON to leave a lasting legacy of service, compassion, and positive change, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.
