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In Lithuania, university students build culture of peace through Thursdays in Black

Thursdays in Black Trailblazers are individuals, churches, schools and universities, networks and grassroot groups who have made a real impact in raising community awareness about gender-based violence and transforming attitudes and practices to prevent rape and abuse. LCC International University in Lithuania is one example of efforts to break a culture of silence, help survivors move towards healing, and work towards preventing abuse and violence.

Storyteller and playwright shares the mind and faith behind her craft

Kristine Greenaway, who has held many roles with the World Council of Churches (WCC) communications team, is a playwright and producer who is currently co-producing, with Nicole Arends, Shadows in the Nooks: Spirited Women in Theatre. She is member of Alumnae Theatre, a nonprofit theatre in Toronto, Canada that was created more than 100 years ago and is the oldest women-run theatre company in North America. 

Creative minds are working on “Women Inspiring Justice” exhibition

Plans for an exhibition with the working title Women Inspiring Justice: Ecumenical Responses to the 12 Critical Areas of the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action” are underway, sparking creative ideas and input into how we lift up women within the World Council of Churches (WCC) who have been trailblazers in many ways.

Rev. Dawn Gikandi: Thursdays in Black speaks volumes in Kenya and beyond

Our series of interviews with Thursdays in Black ambassadors highlights those who are playing a vital role in increasing the impact of our collective call for a world without rape and violence. Rev. Dawn Gikandi is a Kenyan who has been ordained as a minister by the Presbyterian Church of East Africa, a member church of the WCC. 

In Kenya, messages about gender equality reach thousands

Whether its weaving gender equality into environmental training for young children, or reaching 2,000 high school and university students with the Thursdays in Black campaign, Kevin Maina is making some major strides in Kenya toward a world free from gender-based violence. 

Voice of churches vital during UN women’s rights talks

As the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) drew to a close, a look back shows that, this year, the World Council of Churches (WCC), through its Ecumenical Office to the United Nations, brought many voices to the table to speak on gender equality, women's rights, and empowerment. 

WCC brings voice of communities to Commission on the Status of Women

How do we end exclusion, racism, economic injustice? Voices from across the world brought stories—and solutions—via online events hosted by the World Council of Churches (WCC) in conjunction with the Commission on the Status of Women, the UNs largest annual gathering on gender equality and women's empowerment.

Rev. Sally Azar: Thursdays in Black “is universally bringing people together”

Our series of interviews with Thursdays in Black ambassadors highlights those who are playing a vital role in increasing the impact of our collective call for a world without rape and violence. Rev. Sally Azar is a pastor at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, and currently serves as a pastor in Jerusalem for both Arabic and English-speaking congregations. 

Waterfall of Solidarity and Resistance

sharing the stories

The Waterfall of Solidarity and Resistance is a tapestry of over 180 cloth panels, all conveying stories of pain, resistance and hope in efforts to overcome sexual and gender-based violence.  The World Council of Churches invited individuals and groups to contribute panels as part of the Thursdays in Black global movement, and the resulting tapestry was launched at the WCC’s 11th Assembly in September 2022. 

The tapestry itself makes a profound and moving statement of our need and commitment to a world without rape and violence. This publication brings all the panels and the stories and explanations of their creation together so that the words and images can make an even greater impact in our homes and communities.