• 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.

Hosted by: Somalia, UNDP, JISRA strategic partnership including Network of Religious and Traditional Peacemakers, Mensen met een Missie, Tearfund and Faith to Action Network

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