MWIA is the Australian and international development organisation of the Loreto Sisters.
Through providing much-needed resources, we support the Sisters and those in our Loreto broader community to assist where the need is greatest.
Inspired by the founder of the Loreto Sisters, Mary Ward, MWIA is committed to working towards a just world where women share leadership, children thrive, and communities live in harmony with each other and the Earth.
We are dedicated to supporting women and children to receive the education, skills and support they need to transform their lives and the world around them. We believe helping them reach their potential is one of the single best investments we can make to end poverty.
Making change happen on a global scale
Mary Ward International Australia is part of a global network. Together we work with Loreto Sisters across 23 countries to create just and sustainable change with women, children and communities.
The Mary Ward legacy
The story of Mary Ward, founder of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, continues to bring hope and wisdom to people from all walks of life. Born in 1585 in Protestant England at a time of religious oppression, Mary encountered tremendous opposition because of her belief that girls should be educated and women empowered to assume leadership within society.
More than 400 years on our Loreto Sisters and Mary Ward International Australia work to continue her vision today where ‘women in time will come to do much’. In today’s world, her values and vision, tenacity and resilience are as important as ever.
Feature Image: Centro Loreto Director, Loreto Sister Ai Thien with students from the pre-primary school.
