At the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), Faith to Action Network stood alongside a powerful coalition of interfaith and development partners to deliver a clear and unified message: faith and gender equality can and must advance together. Our delegation brought perspectives from across Africa, Asia, and beyond, grounded in community experience and spiritual conviction. Together with allies such as the JISRA strategic partnership (including the Network of Religious and Traditional Peacemakers, Mensen met een Missie, Tearfund, and the Asian Muslim Action Network), the UN Multi-Faith Advisory Council, and the Partnership on Religion and Development (PaRD) and its members like World Vision Canada, Muslim for Progressive Values, and The International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID). We also partnered with organizations such as ACT Alliance, WCC, FELM,NCA, Act Church of Sweden, DanChurchAid, LWF, FCA, Cordaid, Anglican Alliance, Anglican Communion Office, World YWCA, IRW, URI, SGI, World Renew, International Academy for Multicultural Cooperation, Women in International Security; African Renaissance Trust, AU Commission, Botswana and SADC parliamentary forum; Somalia and UNDP. Together, we co-hosted, spoke at, and supported over a dozen events showcasing the vital role faith actors play in ending child marriage, reforming family law, advancing peacebuilding, and promoting human rights for all. Here’s a closer look at what we did and why it matters.
Amplifying our voices through interfaith coordination at the United Nations
The High-Level Multi-Faith Reception focused on the role of interfaith collaboration in promoting women’s rights and gender equality. Faith actors and representatives from multilateral organizations discussed ongoing efforts and challenges.
We’re at a very complex moment when it comes to gender equality. … We know that there are forces that are in strong opposition to the rights and the well-being of women and of girls. … and they have oftentimes religious justifications for their arguments, their regressive arguments. Who better to counter these narratives than faith leaders and religious actors who are well versed in religious texts and who can interpret these religious texts and really demonstrate the value of gender equality. And so that is my plea to all of you. This is an area where we are going to look to you for leadership on how to navigate some of these stormy waters together.
Dr. Kiki Didigu from UNFPA
She emphasized the importance of partnerships with faith-based actors. She gave an example from Uzbekistan, where imams and female religious leaders were trained on women’s rights from an Islamic perspective through collaboration between UNFPA, the International Islamic Academy, and Al-Azhar University, a founding member of the Faith to Action Network.
Rev. Uzoaku Williams from the Christian Association of Nigeria described grassroots efforts to challenge gender norms, saying, “We have worked at the grassroots levels, engaging with local communities to promote gender equality and challenge harmful gender norms”
Dimitra Missira, International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID), speaking on behalf of the UN Multifaith Advisory Group, noted, “It is time to enhance and broaden the collaboration between secular and faith-based organizations.”
The reception highlighted the use of religious texts to promote justice, engagement with men and boys, and the need to embed youth in all areas of work. Rudelmar Bueno de Faria from the ACT Alliance reflected on progress made, noting, “We have been able to find strategies to advance gender equality… addressing issues that are very sensitive for many faith traditions.”
The event concluded with a call to continue building interfaith cooperation rooted in shared responsibilities and practical outcomes.
Ending child marriage, religious actors’ role
12 million girls are married every year. That’s approximately 33,000 girls married every day. At the high-level side event “Bridging the Gap: From Beijing to 2030 – Ending Child Marriage in All Forms“, speakers emphasized the critical role of religious actors in the fight to end child marriage. Nagwa Botros from Faith to Action Network, highlighted that “religious leaders have so much power in our communities, whether formal or informal,” noting that people follow their guidance. She shared examples from Egypt, where Al Azhar University issued a fatwas – a religious advisory opinion – stating that Islam supports women’s rights and condemns child marriage as harmful to girls’ health and well-being.
Hon. Isata Mahoi, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs in Sierra Leone, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the importance of engaging religious leaders who preach in mosques and churches, making it clear that giving girls in marriage is not acceptable. She emphasized a collaborative approach: “We cannot do it alone,” calling for joint efforts across sectors. Botros further emphasized integrating religious teachings, including Quranic verses, hadiths, and biblical references, into community-based education programs.
Jean Sendeza Malawi’s Minister of Gender reinforced the impact of traditional leaders in law enforcement at the grassroots, while Fanta Touré-Puri and Botros both noted the cultural influence of faith actors and the importance of shifting conversations without attacking beliefs. Princess Mabel van Oranje emphasized joining hands to end child marriage – “We need civil society, traditional leaders, all to work together and all look at what can we bring uniquely to this effort.” Faith Mwangi-Powell concluded, “Come, let’s do this together.”
Date: 11 March
Hosted by: Canada, United Kingdom, Global Programme to End Child Marriage (UNICEF, UNFPA), Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), Girls Not Brides (GNB) Co-sponsors: Zambia, Dominican Republic, Girls First Fund (GFF), Zonta International. Faith to Action Network was a panellist.
A call for solidarity with women of faith
While religious institutions on the one hand can be instrumental in fostering social cohesion, human dignity, they can also sometimes reinforce patriarchal norms that hinder women’s full participation in leadership and decision making.
Peter-Derrek Hof, Ambassador for Women’s Rights and Gender Equality at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Netherlands
During the event “Women of Faith Advancing the 12 Critical Areas of the Beijing Declaration”, speakers underscored the vital yet underrecognized role of women of faith in shaping inclusive societies. Despite being trusted voices and mobilizers of grassroots change, women remain marginalized in decision-making spaces. Rev. Dr. Uzoaku Williams, Assistant General Secretary, Christian Association of Nigeria faces this on a daily basis: “You know, on the table of conversation in the church, in society, in our CV, we have one hundred and five men against four women.”
Participants emphasized the need for stronger partnerships between governments, civil society, and faith-based organizations, with intentional efforts to include women of faith at decision-making table. Speakers called for ongoing education campaigns to dismantle harmful societal beliefs and reinterpret religious texts in support of gender equality, as seen in Tunisia’s Sheikh Academy and Indonesia’s Women Congress. Interfaith dialogues in Nigeria and Kenya supported by the JISRA programme showcased how engaging women of faith can promote gender equality and foster peacebuilding. Practical actions included supporting female religious scholars, funding women-led faith initiatives, and training religious leaders with faith literacy on gender equality.
Ultimately, the event called for solidarity with women of faith and their struggles “Not because they’re weak, but precisely because they’re strong” as stated by Dr Azza Karam, Executive & founder of Lead Integrity.
Date: March 11
Hosted by: Somalia ,UNDP, JISRA strategic partnership including Network of Religious and Traditional Peacemakers, Mensen met een Missie, Tearfund and Faith to Action Network
Partnering for Change: Working with Faith Actors to Uphold Women and Girls’ Rights
Participants discussed their experiences in building partnerships between religious actors, civil society, policymakers, governments and multilaterals in advancing gender equality. Key themes included:
- Repressive contexts
- Collaboration between parliaments and religious actors
- Interfaith dialogue
- Addressing backlash
- Gender equality
- Peacebuilding
Caroline Kwamboka from African Renaissance Trust, underscored the importance of “building bridges between policymakers and those who lead through faith.” This event showcased how breaking down silos between secular and religious sectors amplify local voices, foster learning, and drive coordinated policy action. Dimitra Missira, co-lead of the Gender Equality and Empowerment Workstream of PaRD, emphasized:
This moment is crucial for women’s rights. … achieving SDG 5 requires a whole-of-society approach. … breaking down silos between the secular and religious sectors, governments, and the UN is not just possible—it is essential. These platforms enable multi-faith and multilateral partnerships that foster learning and policy coordination, amplify local voices in intergovernmental settings, ensuring all are heard.
Date: 11 March,
Hosted by: Partnership on Development and Religion, including World Vision Canada, Muslim Progressive Values and Faith to Action Network
Now gender-equal : Lutheran family law in Palestine
Ranan Issa from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) spoke about her advocacy to change family laws in Palestine at the event “The Rise of Family Values: Strategies for Family Law Reform.” Historically, family laws in Palestine were governed by religious institutions, with each religion applying its own laws, resulting in contradictory legal standards.
A turning point came in 2013, when women started a critical dialogue within the ELCJHL. Their questions about legal inequality and exclusion from leadership roles led to a formal letter to the Bishop, which initiated a process of legal reform. Despite facing resistance, particularly on issues like equal inheritance and divorce, persistent discussions grounded in theology and real-life stories moved the conversation forward.
By 2015, the church adopted a reformed family law ensuring gender equality in marriage, inheritance, and divorce. The appointment of the first female judge in Palestine and the ordination of the first female Palestinian pastor in 2023 marked further milestones. These changes, driven internally by women’s advocacy was supported by Faith to Action Network and the YW4A programme. They underscore that justice and faith are not opposing forces but can strengthen one another. Most importantly, this legal change has sparked similar efforts amongst religious institutions in Jordan and the wider region.
Date: 12 March
Hosted by: Global Campaign for Equality in Family Law and Sweden, Zambia, UN Women, UN Human Rights Special Procedures, and the Global Campaign for Equality in Family Law, including ACT Alliance and ACT Church of Sweden.
Bridging intergenerational gaps within faith institutions
At the event “Faith, Empowerment and Equality: A Conversation with Women and Young Women of Faith,” panellists shared their experience on bridging intergenerational gaps within faith institutions. They emphasized the importance of education as a foundation for young women to understand their rights and advocate for themselves.
Girls are created as physical, intellectual and spiritual creations. So don’t be afraid to be as much as you can. Don’t be afraid to be your best person and be strong. You deserve all of women’s right as human rights.
Nur Rofiah from Indonesian Women Ulama Congress Network (KUPI)
Initiatives such as long-term training programs to develop young women ulama in Indonesia, school workshops on gender equality in Mali, and youth engagement platforms in Kenya were central to nurturing leadership among younger generations. Faith actors shared efforts to sensitize religious leaders and integrate young voices in discussions, thereby building ecosystems of support for youth participation. The use of storytelling and social media campaigns was also recognized as a means to connect with Gen Z and bridge narrative gaps between generations. Furthermore, intergenerational collaboration was fostered through programs that encourage elder women leaders to mentor youth while promoting shared spaces for dialogue, mutual learning, and inclusive religious interpretations.
Date: 13 March
Hosted by: JISRA strategic partnership including Network of Religious and Traditional Peacemakers, Mensen met een Missie, Tearfund and Faith to Action Network
African Union Commission and government of Botswana roadmap for gender equality in Africa
At the “Beijing +30: Reflecting on Progress and Forging New Pathways to Advance Women’s and Girls Health & Rights in Africa” event, key action points were identified to bridge the intergenerational gap and accelerate gender equality. Minister Lesego Chombo of Botswana emphasized the inclusion of young women in leadership, calling for mentorship and capacity building to sustain and empower future leaders.
This call was echoed by AU Commission Director Prudence Ngwenya, who underscored the need for shifting from policy to implementation. While the African Union creates strong normative frameworks (like the Maputo Protocol and Agenda 2063), she stressed the need to translate these policies into tangible results at the country and community level—through country acceleration and localized implementation rather than remaining at the policy level. The conversation highlighted the importance of fostering intergenerational dialogue, challenging outdated gender norms, and promoting mutual respect and collaboration between generations.
A strong appeal was made for governments, especially through Botswana’s example, to adopt youth-inclusive, gender-responsive budgeting and programming. Delegates stressed that young people, particularly young women, must not only be included but also trusted and supported to lead, shaping transformative agendas across Africa.
Additionally, faith-based actors were recognized as critical partners in advancing gender equality. Nagwa Botros from Faith to Action Network emphasized their power of persuasion. She asked “Is it easier to convince people about women’s rights and gender equality by using their familiar and respected Holy Bible or Quran, or should we use the technocratic documents written by lawyers or politicians?” She emphasized that advancing human rights can be more effective when framed in religious terms that align with people’s deeply held beliefs and cultural values.
Date: 13 March
Hosted by: AU Commission, Botswana, SADC parliamentary forum, Africa Renaissance Trust and Faith to Action Network
Find allies in compassionate faith leaders who are open for change
Reverend Uzoaku Williams was invited to speak at the event “Countering Regression and Anti-Rights Movements in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities for Solidarity Strengthening.” She emphasized the critical need to engage religious actors as allies in promoting and protecting women’s rights. She highlighted the significant influence religious leaders hold within communities, especially in Nigeria, where many people, particularly women in rural areas, are more likely to listen to their pastors and imams than political leaders. Recognizing this, she has focused on engaging with theological institutions, integrating human rights and gender justice into their training curricula. This strategy aims to equip future religious leaders with gender-equal theological interpretation, while raising awareness of the patriarchal biases embedded in traditional scriptural readings. Reverend Uzoaku who is the focal point of Faith to Action Network in West Africa stressed that most religious leaders are compassionate and good-hearted, but most have little awareness of their own biases. A few of them are open to change and are essential entry points for advancing women’s rights. By working within these faith structures and advocating for reinterpretation of scriptures through a gendered lens, her movement seeks to build solidarity and foster meaningful, systemic change from within religious communities.
Date: 13 March
Hosted by: Center for Reproductive Rights, Reproductive Health Network Kenya, FEMNET, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health, Zamara Foundation. Faith to Action Network was a panellist.
Evidence shows peace agreements developed by women are more effective
The event “Empowering Change: Advancing Women’s Role in Peace and Security” underscored the critical importance of women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation in peacebuilding and conflict prevention, especially in light of the persistent underrepresentation of women in peace processes. Key discussions emphasized that despite the clear evidence of higher success rates for peace agreements involving women signatories, women still hold less than ten percent of peace negotiator roles globally.
The session highlighted the pressing need for increased investment in inclusive and locally led peace efforts, recognizing that local women’s groups, civil society organizations, youth, persons with disabilities, and faith-based actors are pivotal in driving sustainable change. These groups possess deep contextual knowledge and are instrumental in mediating and modeling inclusive peace efforts.
The event also shed light on the growing challenges to human rights and democracy, including the shrinking of civic space and the rise of anti-gender movements, which disproportionately affect women and girls. A comprehensive approach to peacebuilding was promoted—one that integrates gender equality, defends human rights, and reinforces the universality and interdependence of fundamental freedoms, such as the Freedom of Religion or Belief. Intersectional strategies were advocated to ensure the effective implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Date: 13 March
Hosted by: ACT Alliance,Finland, WCC, FELM, NCA, Act Church of Sweden, DanChurchAid, LWF, FCA, Cordaid, Anglican Alliance, Anglican Communion Office, World YWCA, IRW, URI, SGI, World Renew, International Academy for Multicultural Cooperation, Women in International Security Faith to Action Network
Reinforcing each other – Freedom of Religion or Belief and gender equality
At the event “From Faith to Action: Women Religious Leaders Transforming the Beijing Platform into Reality”, speakers from Indonesia, Mali, Nepal, the Netherlands, and Nigeria explored how Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), women’s rights, and gender equality reinforce each other. Promoting both rights together ensures that all individuals, regardless of gender, can fully participate in religious and social life. It helps challenge harmful norms and interpretations that exclude or discriminate against women, leading to more inclusive and equitable communities.
When women are empowered within religious spaces, it strengthens FoRB and contributes to lasting peace and justice. Bandana Rana shared how religious norms shape daily life in Nepal, reinforcing the need to engage grassroots religious actors to challenge harmful practices. Dr. Nur Rofiah highlighted how Quranic interpretation can empower women and support legal reforms. Dwi Rubyanti Kholifah discussed the role of fatwas in promoting women’s rights. Djeneba Toure and Sister Veronica Onyeanisi emphasized the importance of including women in decision-making and using interfaith dialogue to combat gender-based violence and promote peace. Rev. Dr. Uzoaku Williams and Professor Asma Barlas called for faith-based strategies to counter patriarchal interpretations and support inclusive religious education.
Rev. Dr. Uzoaku Williams, from the Christian Association of Nigeria, spoke about her experiences as the first woman in her leadership position. She emphasized the vital role that faith actors play in advancing gender equality and the importance of promoting best practices to combat discrimination and inequality. Discussing faith actors’ engagement at the grassroots level to challenge harmful norms, she stated, “many faith actors have successfully contextualized gender equality within religious traditions, making it more relatable and acceptable to their communities.”
The event closed with a clear message: support and fund women faith leaders to drive real change.
Date: 17 March
Hosted by: Indonesia government, Asian Muslim Action Network, JISRA strategic partnership including Network of Religious and Traditional Peacemakers, Mensen met een Missie, Tearfund and Faith to Action Network
First-line responders to women on the move
Nagwa Botros, MENA Region Advisor at Faith to Action Network moderated the event “Women on the move: Inclusive, intersectional and faith-sensitive approaches in the humanitarian sector.” Panelists emphasized the role of faith in displacement experiences and responses. Key takeaways included:
- The need for humanitarian actors to provide mobile, tailored services to women and girls of all backgrounds.
- The importance of integrating, not instrumentalising, faith-based mechanisms into the wider humanitarian system.
With over 122 million displaced people globally, women face gender-specific vulnerabilities such as violence, discrimination, and exclusion. Despite often being portrayed as a homogenous group, women on the move have intersectional identities shaped by gender, age, ethnicity, and religion, often compounded by structural inequalities. In response, both mainstream and faith-based actors are redefining gender-based approaches to displacement, promoting inclusive, intersectional, and faith-sensitive responses that acknowledge diverse needs including spiritual care, dietary requirements, and safe spaces. Faith-Based Organizations, as long-standing first-line responders, play a vital role by offering holistic support and mobilizing philanthropic resources, with traditions like Islamic zakat, Jewish tzadekeh, and Christian charity providing significant humanitarian contributions.
The event aimed to identify good practices, highlight women’s leadership in mobilizing faith-based responses, and share actionable recommendations to strengthen support for displaced women globally. The event also marked the launch of the new briefing, “Addressing the needs of women and girls on the move”.
Date: 20 March
Hosted by: Islamic Relief USA, University of Birmingham, UNHCR. Faith to Action Network moderating.
