An opportunity to highlight women’s leadership in the church and society, the challenges and the successes
In a world where women’s education is at risk of coming to a halt because of Covid-19, Women’s Day, which takes place on 8 March, marks a moment to “reflect on and celebrate women’s achievements”. It is also an opportunity for the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) to “consider how far we have come in striving to achieve gender justice and inclusion” and “the barriers we still have to overcome,” said LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr. Martin Junge.
The global theme for 2021 is “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world”.
Junge once again affirmed that the global communion is committed to ensuring that women’s participation in ordained ministry and leadership is equal, as well as to achieving gender equality in the church and the workplace, yet noted the need to change mindsets and behavior. “We must continue to challenge inequality, gender stereotypes, and misconceptions about women in leadership positions, now more than ever,” he said. While women “are now visible in leadership positions in both the church and society,” he added, “many of them still face barriers and resistance.”
Milestones on the way to equality
Recalling some of the milestones on the way to integration and equality, LWF gender justice adviser Sikhonzile Ndlovu emphasizes the importance of the LWF Gender Justice Policy adopted in 2013, which is available in at least 23 languages. She points out that there is still much to be done to ensure the full implementation of this policy in all member churches and World Service country programs.
As a global communion, we stand together in hope, committed to achieving an equal future for all. LWF gender justice representative Sikhonzile Ndlovu
“I am delighted to see churches, LWF women’s networks around the world, as well as several LWF country programs, creating their own materials and organizing events to mark this day,” says Ndlovu. “We still face many challenges, especially with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has set back progress in some contexts,” she says, “but as a global communion we stand together in hope, committed to achieving an equal future for all.”
Achieving an equal future
The LWF marks the day with a service of thanksgiving, interceding for all women in leadership. The order of service, prepared by the LWF in cooperation with the World Council of Churches, has also been sent to member churches so that they may use it throughout the week. It contains reflections on the wisdom of God, the need for intergenerational cooperation, and the ongoing work to achieve justice and reconciliation in the world.
During a webinar on 8 March, five women from the LWF’s past, present, and future will speak about the challenges and successes, while also exploring some specific ways in which the church can support the next generation of women in leadership positions.
In March, the LWF’s social media channels will feature women who have contributed to breaking down barriers and empowering women in their church and society. From the pioneers who took part in the early LWF assemblies to today’s leaders who continue to fight against discrimination in the workplace, the broadcasts will inspire all who work today to ensure “a proper place, a God-intended place for women in the teaching of the Christian church”. (Sister Anna Ebert, one of the four women who took part in the first assembly in Lund in 1947)
UN Commission on the Status of Women
This year’s International Women’s Day also opens the 65th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, which will take place online from 15 to 26 March. This year’s event, which brings together governments and civil society organizations, including many faith-based groups, will focus on the full and effective participation of women in decision-making in public life.
The LWF will participate in the two-week event with a delegation of more than seventy members, which will give an essential voice to women in member churches and World Service country programs in various parts of the world. Under the leadership of the Lutheran Office for World Community, the participants will discuss issues with government delegations and take part in many public events in cooperation with ecumenical and interfaith partners.
Among the highlights will be two parallel events: “Mighty women: toward a better future”, organized by the LWF and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and another event “The struggle of faith: women addressing conflict and crisis”, organized by the LWF in cooperation with the World Council of Churches and the organization Religions for Peace .
GENEVA, Switzerland
5.03.2021.
Source: Lutheran World Federation news
Photo: LWF/A. Danielsson