Women from numerous churches in Asia came together to discuss the role of churches in the fight against gender-based violence. The more than 30 women met at a three-day conference in Bangkok. Women from the Mission 21 network also took part. The conference set an initial signal shortly before the "16-days" campaign in the fight against violence against women.
The conference took place from November 19 to 21, 2024. Ecumenical Women's Action Against Violence (EWAAV) in Bangkok. The participants discussed the topic of overcoming sexual and gender-based violence (OSGBV) and forced migration. The 34 women are members of the Christian Conference of Asia network from various countries. The aim of the three-day conference was to discuss the role of the church in working towards a gender-equal society.
There were various inputs on the two main topics. For example, discussions were held on how the church can take action in the fight against gender-based violence. It was concluded that churches need to create more awareness for both topics, question patriarchal ways of thinking and support those affected by gender-based violence. The emphasis was on collective commitment and that men must also be included in the OSGBV dialog.
Strong commitment from Mission 21's partner organizations
The network of the Christian Conference of Asia also includes several partner organizations of Mission 21, such as the Theological Seminary of Sabah (STS), the Tsung Tsin Mission of Hong Kong (TTM), the Evangelical Protestant Church of West Timor (GMIT), the Presbyterian Church of the Republic of Korea (PROK) and the Basel Christian Church in Malaysia. This meant that all Mission 21 project countries in Asia were represented at the conference.
The pastor Ira Imelda represented the Protestant Reformed Sunda Church (GKP) from West Java; Imelda was one of the speakers at the event. The GKP is also a partner church of Mission 21. Ira Imelda is the director of the Pasundan-Durebang Women's Center, which is part of the Help for women affected by violence in Asia heard from Mission 21.
Conference to kick off the 16-day campaign
Since 25 November and until 10 December, the 16-day campaign has been taking place, in which thousands of organizations worldwide are joining forces to combat violence against women. Mission 21 and our partner organizations in Asia are also calling for action against violence against women. The focus of this work is on prevention, education and support for those affected, for example in the aforementioned project Help for women affected by violence in Asia. In our news and on our social media channels, we report on other activities of our partner organizations in the fight against gender-based violence and for gender equality.
Text: Jasmin Scherr, Picture: zVg
â–ºNews contribution from Mission 21 at the start of the 16-day campaign
â–º The final message from the Christian Conference of Asia on the Women's Regional Conference
