In the vibrant backdrop of New York, the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) convened during the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) to address the journey toward women’s equality. The event marked the launch of a publication honouring advocates from the historic 1995 Beijing Conference and those persistently advocating today. A poignant question posed was the realisation of the ambitious vision for women’s rights established three decades ago and the integral role faith leaders play in shaping its future.
Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt, LWF General Secretary, opened the discussion by asserting, “gender justice is not negotiable: it is fundamental to a just and peaceful world.” Yet, amidst strides made, she expressed concern over a rising backlash against gender equality, entrenching barriers that hinder women’s prospects, leaving many in a realm of exclusion and violence.
Rev. Khader El-Yateem of the ELCA echoed these sentiments, highlighting the Beijing Platform’s significance to church policies on women’s rights. He painted a sobering picture of dwindling resources and squeezing civil society efforts in gender justice initiatives, asserting this work is currently under attack.
Kristen Opalinski from ELCA reminisced about the optimism of the 1995 conference, juxtaposing it against today’s surging authoritarianism that contradicts the gospel’s message. She urged churches to solidify their stance, emphasising Lutherans’ unique duty to bridge tensions for collective progress.
Joanna Lilja from Act Church of Sweden spotlighted the current climate where the Beijing Platform for Action might struggle to gain traction if introduced today. She reiterated the urgent need to uphold that “women’s rights are human rights,” acknowledging both setbacks and victories in the struggle for reform in family law driven by faith communities.
Kaleb Sutherland accentuated the critical nature of education, especially for girls. He stated that investing in their education propels advances across multiple sectors such as healthcare and poverty alleviation. The urgency for these investments stems from their power to enact real change on a grand scale.
Rev. Bafano Khumalo of the Sonke Gender Justice network reminded attendees that while three decades of progress deserve celebration, policy alone will not create change. He underscored the necessity for churches to challenge patriarchal norms and foster shared leadership roles in both church and broader society.
From Zimbabwe, Rev. Dr Elitha Moyo raised alarm over gender-based violence, detailing the Evangelical Lutheran Church’s proactive steps in awareness-raising and community engagement. Her passionate plea revealed that both governments and faith representatives must fortify support systems and foster dialogues on gender equality.
Throughout these discussions, the emphasis was clear: a multifaceted collaboration between faith actors and governments is paramount to combat gender inequality, ensuring the principles laid out in the Beijing Platform are not merely lofty ideals but actionable commitments in every community.
The LWF’s event at CSW focused on progress and setbacks in women’s rights since the Beijing Conference 30 years ago. Key speakers stressed the urgency of countering the rising pushback against gender equality and the valuable role of faith actors in advancing these ideals. The discussions called for a strengthened commitment to education, reform of discriminatory laws, and collaboration between governmental and faith-based organizations.
The event highlighted pressing concerns about women’s rights amidst a regressive pushback against gender equality that must be actively countered. It illustrated the vital role faith organisations and government entities play in championing women’s rights and called for a more aggressive commitment to education and advocacy going forward. Recognising both successes and ongoing struggles, the participants were encouraged to stand firm in their pursuit of justice and equality for all women and girls.
Original Source: lutheranworld.org
