Document
The Secretary-General has received the following statement, which is being circulated in accordance with paragraphs 36 and 37 of Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31.
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* The present statement is issued without formal editing.
Statement
The Commission of the Churches on International Affairs of the World Council of Churches (WCC), a global ecumenical organization with a deep commitment to justice, peace, and human dignity, has been an active advocate for gender equality and women's rights. The WCC brings together churches, denominations, and Christian communities worldwide, representing almost 600 million Christians in more than 110 countries. Its commitment to social justice and human rights extends to the empowerment of women, particularly through its engagement with the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA), adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995.
This statement will explore the WCC's commitment to the BPfA, highlighting its theological foundations, advocacy work, and practical initiatives aimed at addressing gender inequality and promoting women's rights globally.
Theological Foundations of the WCC's Commitment to Gender Equality
The WCC’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment is deeply rooted in its theological understanding of human dignity and justice. Central to the Christian faith is the belief that all human beings are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), which affirms the inherent dignity and equality of all people, regardless of gender. This theological conviction has motivated the WCC to advocate for the full inclusion and participation of women in all areas of life, including the church, society, and global governance.
The WCC also draws on the teachings of Jesus Christ, who consistently challenged societal norms that marginalized women and upheld their dignity and worth. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is seen engaging with women in a way that was countercultural at the time, treating them with respect and elevating their status in a patriarchal society. The WCC sees this as a call for the church to actively work towards dismantling systems of oppression that discriminate against women and perpetuate gender inequality.
Furthermore, the WCC emphasizes the concept of justice as a central tenet of Christian ethics. Justice, in the biblical sense, ensures that all people have equal access to resources, opportunities, and protections necessary for their flourishing. For the WCC, this includes advocating for women’s rights and working towards the elimination of all forms of gender-based discrimination and violence, as outlined in the Beijing Platform for Action.
Advocacy for Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment
Since the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action, the WCC has been a strong advocate for its implementation at both global and local levels. The WCC has worked to integrate the goals of the BPfA into its broader mission of promoting justice, peace, and reconciliation, particularly through its programs on gender justice and women’s empowerment.
One of the key focus area for the WCC has been addressing violence against women, which the Beijing Platform for Action identifies as one of the most pervasive violations of human rights. The WCC has consistently condemned all forms of violence against women, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, trafficking, and harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation. The WCC’s "Thursdays in Black" campaign is one of its most visible initiatives in this regard. This global movement, which encourages individuals to wear black on Thursdays as a symbol of resistance against gender-based violence, has gained widespread support from churches, civil society organizations, and individuals around the world.
In addition to addressing violence, the WCC has also been a vocal advocate for women’s participation in decision-making processes, both within the church and in broader societal structures. The Beijing Platform for Action emphasizes the importance of increasing the representation of women in leadership positions, and the WCC has taken significant steps to promote women’s leadership within its own structures. This includes ensuring gender balance in its leadership bodies and decision-making processes, as well as providing training and capacity-building opportunities for women leaders within its member churches.
The WCC has also been actively involved in advocacy at the United Nations and other international forums to promote the goals of the Beijing Platform for Action. Through its participation in the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and other UN processes, the WCC has worked to ensure that the voices of faith communities are heard in global discussions on gender equality and women’s rights. The WCC has emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to gender justice, one that takes into account the spiritual, social, economic, and political dimensions of women’s empowerment.
Practical Initiatives for Advancing Gender Equality.
Beyond advocacy, the WCC has implemented a range of practical initiatives aimed at advancing gender equality and empowering women in its member churches and communities. These initiatives have been guided by the critical areas of concern outlined in the Beijing Platform for Action, particularly in the areas of education, health, and economic empowerment.
Education and Capacity Building
One of the key strategies for achieving gender equality, as outlined in the BPfA, is ensuring equal access to education for women and girls. The WCC has supported numerous educational initiatives aimed at improving literacy rates, providing vocational training, and promoting leadership development for women. Through partnerships with member churches, the WCC has helped to establish schools and training centers in various countries, particularly in regions where women and girls face significant barriers to education.
In addition to formal education, the WCC has also focused on capacity-building initiatives that equip women with the skills and knowledge needed to participate fully in decision-making processes. This includes leadership training programs, theological education for women, and workshops on gender justice and human rights. These initiatives are aimed at empowering women to take on leadership roles within their communities and to advocate for their rights at local, national, and international levels.
Health and Well-being
The Beijing Platform for Action identifies women’s health as a critical area of concern, particularly in relation to reproductive health and access to healthcare services. The WCC has worked to address these issues through its health and healing programs, which focus on promoting holistic health and well-being for women and girls. This includes advocating for access to healthcare services, particularly in underserved communities, and addressing issues such as maternal health, HIV/AIDS, and reproductive rights.
The WCC has also been active in promoting mental health and emotional well-being, recognizing the impact that gender-based violence and discrimination can have on women’s mental health. The WCC provides support to women who have experienced trauma and violence, helping them to heal and rebuild their lives.
Economic Empowerment
Economic empowerment is another key area of focus for the WCC’s work on gender equality, in line with the Beijing Platform for Action’s call for strategies to reduce poverty and increase economic opportunities for women. The WCC has supported initiatives aimed at promoting women’s economic empowerment, particularly in rural and marginalized communities. This includes providing microfinance opportunities, supporting women’s cooperatives, and promoting fair trade practices.
The WCC’s economic empowerment initiatives are grounded in the belief that economic justice is essential for achieving gender equality. By providing women with the resources and opportunities needed to support themselves and their families, the WCC aims to break the cycle of poverty and empower women to contribute fully to their communities and societies.
Challenges and Ongoing Work
While significant progress has been made in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment since the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action, the WCC acknowledges that there is still much work to be done. Gender-based violence, discrimination, and inequality remain pervasive in many parts of the world, and women continue to face barriers to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
The WCC is committed to continuing its work to address these challenges, both within its member churches and in broader society. This includes ongoing advocacy at the international level, as well as practical initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of gender inequality. The WCC also recognizes the importance of working in partnership with other organizations, including governments, civil society, and other faith-based organizations, to achieve the goals of the Beijing Platform for Action.
Conclusion
The World Council of Churches has been a steadfast advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment, drawing on its theological foundations and its commitment to justice and human dignity. Through its advocacy work, practical initiatives, and partnerships, the WCC has made significant contributions to the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action. While challenges remain, the WCC’s ongoing commitment to gender justice offers hope for a future in which women and men can live in equality, peace, and mutual respect.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of gender inequality and discrimination, the WCC’s work in this area serves as a reminder of the importance of faith-based organizations in the global struggle for justice and human rights. The WCC will continue to stand alongside women in their fight for equality, dignity, and empowerment, guided by the principles of the Beijing Platform for Action and its own commitment to justice, peace, and reconciliation.
