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Discussions centered on mutually influencing social norms to advance gender equality. Those gathered also reflected on the leverage of faith-based organizations within International Geneva, and collaboration between UN Women and faith-based organizations.
Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, WCC programme director for Life, Justice, and Peace commented that it was a pleasure to host the meeting with Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda and her team. “We have mutual high expectations to strengthen collaboration, given the signs of the times: a world that is divided and polarized. We need to find new ways to work together now more than ever.”
Gumbonzvanda, in her opening comments, expressed her gratitude to the WCC and the wider ecumenical movement and their strong commitment to gender equality. She also reflected that the ethos of the United Nations is not one of governments coming together—but one of people coming together. She also touched upon how faith and human rights are aligned.
She said she understands why people might have righteous anger in these current times. “But it’s not enough for us to have the righteous anger—we also need the prophetic courage,” she said. “How do we use the various tools in our toolkit together?”
Gumbonzvanda also observed that, as parliaments become weaker and power is becoming so concentrated, the power of the people is no longer as strong as it was before. “It’s actually that power is shifting away from the people,” she said. “We must talk about the war economy.”
Gumbonzvanda reflected that solidarity visits are so much needed now, and also the solidarity expressed through campaigns such as Thursdays in Black.
“I think we can do much more in the countries, and much more at the regional level, and much more globally,” she said. “We need to bring the conscience of the world—the world is losing its conscience.”
Gumbonzvanda also mentioned in her conversation that her time at the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey transformed her life in her early 20s. “The ecumenical movement is an important instrument in a polarized world,” she said.
The WCC delegation receiving Gumbonzvanda on behalf of WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay included Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, WCC programme director for Life, Justice, and Peace; Rev. Nicole Ashwood, WCC programme executive for a Just Community of Women and Men; Marianne Ejdersten, WCC director of communication; WCC programme staff from Life, Justice, and Peace; and representatives from almost ten ecumenical partner organizations.
