Misogyny and radical conservative values are once again gaining public support. The Women and Gender Unit of Mission 21 has been working for years for equal rights and against gender-based violence. It does this together with a broad international network. Examples: At the end of April, the Latin American Continental Assembly (Consejo Latino Americano de Iglesias), Mission 21 partner, on violence against women at their meeting in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.
Joint commitment against gender-based violence
The assembly is made up of members of churches and non-governmental organizations, and it also includes a continental women's network. This year's topics were femicides (targeted murders of women), which are unfortunately widespread in Latin America. The importance of the role of church partners in raising awareness and combating gender-based violence was also highlighted. Many partners have already taken appropriate measures. In a declaration (Declaración de Santa Cruz), the joint commitment to gender justice was recorded. Ongoing international campaigns, such as "Thursdays in Black", „16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence." and the action launched by Mission 21 "I walk with" are results of this international cooperation. Such actions and campaigns help to make the problem of gender-based violence more visible and to raise awareness of this issue among a broad public.
Importance of worldwide ecumenical cooperation
The importance of international partnerships is particularly evident in times when long-fought-for rights are once again being called into question. Mission 21, together with four other faith-based organizations, launched a publication in May 2019 that addresses the societal regression regarding women's rights and identifies measures to counter it. The publication was published by the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) was published. Representatives of the UN and international NGOs were also present at the launch event. This underscored the importance of the issue and the role and work of the ecumenical community worldwide. The contribution of faith-based organizations is especially relevant where religion is abused to violate or undermine women's rights, said MarÃa-Cristina Rendón, LWF program assistant for gender justice and women's empowerment.
Empowering women and effecting change at the local level
With workshops and training sessions, numerous partner churches, with the support of Mission 21, are ensuring that processes are set in motion locally to empower women and counter fundamentalism. The joint publication entitled "Affirming Women's Human Rights - Resources for Faith-Based Organizations." shows opportunities for using exchange and cooperation at the international level to initiate and effectively accompany real change at the local level. In Nigeria, for example, Mission 21's partner organization is training women to become active in peace work. And the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, with support from Mission 21, is doing important HIV awareness work and addressing gender-based violence in workshops. Through their work, faith-based organizations also make an important contribution to UN Sustainable Development Goal number 5: Gender Equality (cf. Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development).
â–º Read the article of the Lutheran World Federation (English)
