Written by Opening
The webinar opened with a warm welcome from Jacintha, who introduced both the theme of the evening and guest speaker Dr Amy Daughton. She reminded participants that this session was hosted by Women in the Church, one of the NBCW’s seven committees and is dedicated to research, reflection and the formation of Catholic women.
Dr Amy Daughton, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at the University of Birmingham, brings a long-standing commitment to amplifying women’s voices in theology and widening access to theological education. She also serves as Chair of the charitable trust that supports the charity Women at the Well (W@W), which supports women facing sexual exploitation, homelessness and other forms of marginalisation.
Reality
Amy began by acknowledging the sensitive nature of sexual exploitation and invited participants to listen with respect for women whose experiences may resonate with the themes discussed.
She then introduced the work of Women at the Well, based near King’s Cross, London, and founded by Sr Linda Dearlove of the Institute of Our Lady of Mercy. Rooted in the Catholic tradition of mercy, accompaniment, and Catholic social teaching, the organisation offers holistic support to women who need it. This includes drop-in services, outreach, tailored advocacy, and partnership-based campaigning for systemic change. The aim is to move towards a society in which all women are empowered to achieve their full potential to live free from discrimination, abuse and neglect.
The women who come to W@W often face overlapping vulnerabilities: housing insecurity, a history of abuse or time in care, addiction, destitution, learning difficulties, coercion or control by others, or precarious immigration status. Amy explained how these risk factors intersect and can push women into situations of sexual exploitation.
Drawing on Fratelli Tutti, she reflected on Pope Francis’ critique of a culture that treats people as objects and confuses communication with digital distraction. She explored how women can be vulnerable to romantic “relationships” that are shaped by manipulation, coercion and power imbalances rather than love and mutual respect. She also referenced St John Paul II’s Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, highlighting the moral urgency of addressing such structures.
Solidarity
In the second part of her talk, Amy described solidarity as the proper moral response to the commodification of women and the distortion of relationships through power. She emphasised that all women live within systems of inequality and that this shared vulnerability can become the basis for deep connection.
Amy noted that solidarity need not always take the form of direct action. It can begin simply by attending to one’s heart: choosing not to turn away from difficult realities, listening to women’s voices, refusing to minimise or sanitise exploitation, and remaining attentive to opportunities to support vulnerable women in our own communities.
Quoting Pope Francis’ encyclical Dilexit Nos, she reminded participants that we are created for love and that love enables us to become the people God intends us to be.
At W@W, solidarity is expressed not only through essential services but also through responding to the whole person. Whether that means accompanying a woman to appointments or taking her on a trip to the beach. Such gestures are not “extras” but essential expressions of dignity and human connection.
Hope
Despite the painful realities discussed, Amy concluded with hope. Women who have been deeply marginalised often show extraordinary strength in supporting each other, forming communities of mutual care and resilience. In these relationships, hope takes root.
Questions
Questions in the chat raised the issue of women’s exclusion within the Church, noting the tension between the Church’s strong advocacy for vulnerable women and its reluctance to hear women’s voices on matters such as ordination.
Pat Jones’s work was referenced regarding the language of “choice” in discussions about prostitution, with concern expressed that such language can mask coercion or lack of genuine alternatives. There was some discussion on how a “sex positive” culture can obscure exploitation and how important it is to recognise power dynamics.
Closing
Helen closed the evening with a vote of thanks, affirming that “all women have the same dignity and the same rights as men.” She emphasised the need for ongoing openness, solidarity, and a willingness to change our own attitudes as we work together for a more just and compassionate society.
Pat Jones’s report can be found here: News & Campaigns — Women At The Well – scroll down, looking for the report titled Invisible.