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As gender norms change, workshop helps young people in Eastern Africa find a path toward justice

Seventy-five students and student mentors from over 15 church universities in Eastern Africa  participated in an online training-of-trainers workshop on challenging toxic masculinities and toxic femininities. The event was hosted by the World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical HIV and AIDS Initiatives and Advocacy (EHAIA) Eastern Africa regional office on 1-2 May. 

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6 March 2018, Arusha, Tanzania: 31 young participants in the Stewards Programme of the Conference on World Mission and Evangelism visit YWCA in Arusha, Tanzania, for discussions on challenges faced by youth today, raising issues of facing unemployment, accessing education, and particilarly challenges in the context of prevention of HIV. From 8-13 March 2018, the World Council of Churches organizes the Conference on World Mission and Evangelism in Arusha, Tanzania. The conference is themed "Moving in the Spirit: Called to Transforming Discipleship", and is part of a long tradition of similar conferences, organized every decade.

Photo:
Albin Hillert/WCC
06 May 2021
Youth
Gender justice
Regions
Africa
Programme activity
Ecumenical HIV and AIDS Initiatives and Advocacy (EHAIA)

The training examined the gender formation of a male and female child, exposing the toxic masculinities and toxic femininities held in patriarchal societies. Participants addressed the life-threatening practices of reading and applying scriptures in ways that enforce patriarchy, underscoring the importance of young African Christians embracing more liberating gender norms and practices. The facilitators were Prof. Ezra Chitando, WCC EHAIA Southern Africa regional coordinator, and Prof. Masiiwa Gunda.

“We have a lot of hope and confidence that you; our young people, will lead us into the world without sexual and gender-based violence, HIV and AIDS and their associated challenges. We are relying so much on your leadership today and tomorrow for the transformation of our realities in Africa and beyond,” said Rev. Pauline Wanjiru Njiru, WCC EHAIA  Eastern Africa regional coordinator, noting that the training was fully planned and organized by young people.

“This training has opened my eyes and helped me understand how we are unknowingly contributing to the existence of gender disparities,’’ said Hope Murungi, coordinator of the Civil Society and Private Sector, Uganda AIDS Commission.

The training will continue 8-9 May.

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