Be Bold: Promote Gender Justice and End Gender-Based Violence
Written by Christine Mangale, Lutheran World Federation
Lutherans have a rich history of standing and supporting women and girls and advocating to ensure they enjoy their fundamental human rights and freedoms. We sent a delegation to the Beijing Fourth World Conference on Women and prepared our plan of action afterwards - Churches say No to Violence Against Women is one of them. As Christians, we believe that God created us all equal, and we are called to love and care for each other, to ensure everyone has the same rights and opportunities including in decision making. Therefore, women’s participation in decision-making processes at all levels is critical. At the same time, tackling Sexual and Gender-based Violence is imperative. Our Lutheran World Federation Justice Gender Justice Policy is clear on this; it provides us, as Lutherans, with the biblical foundation, rationale, and mandate to work for Gender Justice. We advocate, educate, share best practices, collaborate, network, and commit to holding all levels of leadership accountable.
Our global communion of 148 churches, representing over 77 million Christians in 99 countries is joining the UN, Member States, civil society activists and faith-based partners during these 16 Days of Activism to raise awareness and call for action for an end to Gender-Based Violence. It is clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated gender inequality and exposed other forms of discrimination and violation of women and girls' human rights.
We must not stay silent. Here are few examples of what you can do:
Watch the LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Martin Junge about the importance of working to end Gender-Based Violence in our churches and in our societies
Hold a prayer service. See our suggested worship resources here
Sign up online for our joint panel discussions on advocacy, theology, human rights, gender justice, engaging men and community responses. See Side by Side - Faith movement for gender justice events here
Share your experience using the best tools you have, such as writing an article for your local newspaper, holding talks or posting on social media
Support survivors of violence
Helpful links:
ELCA Justice for Women resources and Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action social statement
Affirming Women’s Human Rights toolkit for FBOs
ELCA Advocacy
16 Days Campaign Media Kit online