News
The WCC hosted three online events on 18-21 March, focused on issues of violence against women, migration, food, water, and land.
The first, entitled “Youth Empowerment & Entrepreneurship in Migrant Communities,” on 18 March, was co-organized by the WCC and AfriAus ILEAC Changing Narratives' GirlForce Victoria. The event offered space for a strategic conversation on the transformative voices of culturally and linguistically diverse communities that bring unique perspectives on gender justice.
Participants shared examples of best practices to help people live their fullest lives by building socio-economic security through entrepreneurship, human rights advocacy and leadership, mentorship, access to startup capital for small businesses, and prevention of gender-based violence, as advocated through the WCC Thursdays in Black campaign.
Rabecca Mphande, president and co-founding director of AfriAus ILEAC, said that “silence is not an option when gender and economic unfairness persists. Eighty percent of my kind [woman of colour] are young migrants, mothers with young families, and single mothers, are miserably excluded.”
Overcoming barriers, ending violence
On 20 March, the focus was on overcoming barriers for women to food, water, land, and livelihoods. A webinar brought together a range of voices giving witness to rural women who have a significant role in the wellbeing and economic survival of their families. However, they only own the property rights to 20% of arable land.
Successful stories and inspiring experiences from faith communities in different parts of the world shared in the webinar showed that the right financial incentives, consistent investments, progressive law reforms, and changing community norms all lead to communities that can thrive.
“Thursdays in Black: End Gender Based Violence,” held on 21 March, brought together people who have been engaged in the WCC campaign that invites people to wear black on Thursdays to declare they are part of a global movement resisting attitudes and practices that permit rape and violence.
Featuring voices from various ecumenical partners and leaders, the online conversation raised awareness on the campaign and its related concerns, particularly femicide, fistula, trafficking, climate, conflict, online violence, economic insecurity, and poverty.
Watch: "Overcoming Barriers for Women to Food, Water, Land and Livelihoods"
