From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Women Assembly of the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) has intensify campaign for the gender equality and women empowerment and greater inclusion in church leadership.
The Assembly also vowed to fearlessly fight other stereotypes that have weakend the voice of women, and have kept them in the place of perpetual obscurity for several years.
The church women further maintained that the campaign to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment is not just a noble aspiration but a divine calling, and an embodiment of the love of Christ that transcended boundaries, defies stereotypes, and empowers every individual, regardless of gender.
Very Rev. Comfort Ruth Quartey-Papafio, the Director, Gender, Family and Social Intervention, The Methodist Church Ghana, highlighted the campaign in a keynote address delivered at the gathering of the women from different African countries and beyond for the Women Pre- Assembly of AACC, in Abuja, at the weekend, with the theme “The Love of Christ Compels us to Promote Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Africa”.
She challenged the women to fearlessly lead the campaign for the liberation of women thus giving them voice and confidence to face the world.
She made reference to a Scriptural Verse, Galatians 3:28, which, she said, serves as a profound reminder of the transformative power of Christ’s love in the realm of gender equality and women’s empowerment.
She said the verse emphasizes that Christ’s love is for all, without distinction of gender, hence it underscored the fundamental equality of all individuals in the eyes of God. “The verse also speaks to the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice. It suggested that all individuals, regardless of gender, are called to a new life in Christ. This can be empowering for women, as it affirms our equal value and potential for transformation and renewal in Christ.”
She challenged the women not to be passive spectators but active agents of change in the effort to promote gender equality, women empowerment and inclusion. “Let’s roll up our sleeves and immerse ourselves in the noble work of promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. This engagement is not a mere suggestion, but a divine calling that requires unwavering commitment and dedication.
“We must also challenge stereotypes. There are ingrained stereotypes that have stifled the potential and aspirations of women for generations. We must be the voices that challenge the status quo, dismantling the walls of prejudice that have held women back. By doing so, we create space for every woman to rise, unrestricted by the limitations of society’s expectations.
“We must promote unity, inclusivity and mutual support among women. We have the responsibility to stand beside ourselves in faith, offering unwavering support and encouragement. Together, we can form a formidable force that empowers one another to overcome barriers and obstacles.
“Additionally, we must foster a sisterhood that know no boundaries and that lifts each other in times of need. It’s our duty to foster environments where all members of the Church, regardless of gender, can fully participate and thrive. This inclusivity extends not only to women but to all individuals who have been marginalized or silenced. It calls for the creation of spaces where every voice is heard, every gift is acknowledged, and every soul is valued.”
She, however, informed the women that the journey toward achieving Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) within the Church is not without challenges and obstacles, hence it’s crucial to recognize and address such barriers.
She discouraged the traditional interpretations of scripture; some obsolete cultural norms and practices; systemic biases and discrimination; resistance to change; lack of opportunities for education and training; lack of representation particularly the under-representation of women in leadership within the church.
Rev Dr. Lydia Nwaniki, Director Gender and Women, AACC and a Priest in the Anglican Church of Kenya, Nairobi, appreciated the support and participation that came from the women.
She said the aim of the meeting was to distill collective insights into actionable points that will resonate with the broader Church community.
She was optimistic that the outcome of the meeting will not only inspire but also initiate changes that would, expectedly, herald significant discussion on women empowerment and gender equality through dialogue, understanding, and unity, that would forge a path towards a more inclusive and equitable Church and society.