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Berkley Forum

Faith-Inspired Development Approaches That Empower Women and Girls

September 26, 2025

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Integral human development, a concept rooted in Catholic social thought, emphasizes the full flourishing of the human person—socially, economically, politically, spiritually, and culturally. It reflects a holistic view of human dignity and it aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in recognizing the deep interconnections between poverty and prosperity, education and health, peace, environmental protection, and gender equity. This forum invites reflections on development approaches that address the links (and possible disconnects) among religiously inspired approaches and the global and national SDG frameworks.

This Berkley Forum asks: What does it mean, in theory and in practice, to pursue more integrated approaches to development, beyond material outcomes? How can faith actors and institutions contribute to more inclusive models of progress? What lessons can be drawn, more specifically, from initiatives that link spiritual leadership with efforts to promote women’s empowerment? 

This discussion elaborates on themes explored during an April 29, 2025 event co-hosted by the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs and the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life. The program featured members of the Women Faith Leaders Fellowship (WFLF), a Berkley Center initiative that supports Catholic sisters leading development and advocacy efforts in their communities. As part of this forum, we’ve invited fellows from the WFLF 2024-2025 cohort to share their reflections.

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