For the first time in the history of Religions for Peace, the World Council, the governing body of Religions for Peace, composed of senior most faith leaders representing faith communities around the world, has issued a statement on International Women’s Day. The World Council acknowledges that women are impacted most severely by today’s multiple and simultaneous challenges of war, environmental degradation, violence, and poverty, committing to work together to support women’s voices, leadership and needs globally.
International Women’s Day
#WhenWillSheBeRight
Australian’s say, “she’ll be right” to dismiss problems we think will fix themselves with time. It’s a cultural complacency that issues will sort themselves out, at some point. But for global gender equality, at the current pace of change, that point is still 100 years away. On International Day of Women, we present the UN Women Australia video, “When will she be right?“.
International Women’s Day: Pray for Women around the World
International Women’s Day is held on March 8 each year to honour and celebrate the achievements of women and highlight challenges and the need for action to reach gender equality. The day has been commemorated for well over a century. This year’s international theme is #ChoosetoChallenge.
Religious Women as Partners in Diplomacy
(8 March 2020 | New York City, USA) Prof. Dr. Azza Karam [Secretary General- Elect, Religions for Peace (RfP)] and Consul General David Gill of the Federal Republic of Germany in New York recently met for an interview highlighting the roles of religious women as key leaders and stakeholders in diplomatic efforts across the globe, in celebration of International Women’s Day. This interview is part of the series “Women of Faith and Diplomats for Peace” organised by the Religion and Foreign Policy Division of the German Federal Foreign Office.
Reflections from the Western Wall on International Women’s Day
Tonight on the eve of Purim, I will gather 10 beloved women around me and recite Birkat HaGomeil (a prayer said in gratitude after one has overcome a dangerous or life-threatening event). In this blessing, I will hold close to me the hundreds of other women who were with me last Friday on Rosh Chodesh at the Western Wall (the Kotel). Women from across the religious (and secular) spectrum – Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, and ultra-Orthodox – flooded the Kotel, each driven by her own motivations and stances.
31 Days of Prayer for Women’s Empowerment
In the month of March, the World Council of Churches is encouraging its fellowship and partners to join the Lott Carey “31 Days of Prayer for Women’s Empowerment,” which is also the 7th Anniversary Global Women’s Prayer Guide. The guide features 31 days of prayer that support justice and equality for women.
The Values that drive International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day means different things to different people, but the global focus on equality and celebration is clear.
Throughout ancient and modern history, women have collaborated and lead purposeful action to redress inequality in the hope of a better future for their communities, children and themselves. Whether through bold well-documented action or through humble resistance that never made it into the history books, women have united for equality and achievement forever.
