The Anglican Communion and the Mothers Union have organised a webinar as an official Parallel Event for the 65th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW65).
The 90-minute event will take place on Thursday 18 March 2021 at 11.30 am EST (3.30 pm GMT); and because most of this year’s CSW events are online, people around the world can participate without having to travel to the UN Headquarters in New York.
Faith communities and faith-based organisations advocate for gender justice within their structures and communities, lifting up women to positions of power within churches, educating boys and men on toxic masculinity, and helping to combat gender-based violence and discrimination.
Faith leaders also have social and spiritual capital and are often trusted by communities as sources of information and support, which has been crucial during the Covid-19 crisis. As gender-based violence has been exacerbated since the beginning of the pandemic, acute inequalities faced by women have also worsened.
Partnership with faith actors positively influencing and supporting their communities is of increasing importance. During these difficult times, faith leaders and communities have proven to be relentless advocates for women in vulnerable situations, serving as places of refuge and raising awareness on the signs of domestic abuse.
Inspired by their faith, Christian women throughout the world have been on the frontlines fighting for gender justice, both prior to and during Covid-19. As women deeply connected to both their faith and their gender equality work, they have a keen perspective on gender justice and deep roots within their communities. This synergy allows them into spaces where many women’s organisations can’t reach, making them essential partners in this kind of work.
The Anglican Communion Office at the United Nations (ACOUN) and the Gender Justice Department are collaborating with the Mothers’ Union to organise this Parallel Event on the side-lines of the 65th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women.
This parallel event will highlight the positive work being done by women in Christian communities around the world to achieve gender justice and prevent and end gender-based violence. It will showcase the way in which Christian gender justice advocates are engaging at the community level, structural level, and within Church institutions. Panellists from three different continents will share their work and its impact and explore the theologies that underpin the response to gender justice.
What’s faith got to do with it? will be moderated by Mandy Marshall, Project Director for Gender Justice in the Anglican Communion. The Bishop of London, the Right Revd Sarah Mullally, will offer opening remarks before chairing the panel discussion.
Panellists include:
Prior registration is essential: you can do so by clicking here.