The Ecumenical Commission for Human Development (ECHD) organized a five-day training workshop on "Gender Equality: Empowering Young Girls and Women in Church and Society" at the Murree Christian School, which was attended by Christian youth hailing from different walks of life.
During the five-day workshop that commenced on August 14 and concluded on August 18, notable speakers, including Fr. Joseph Jacob Dogra, Rev. Dr. Farhana Nazir, Mrs. Nargus Azhar, Dr. Robina Feroze Bhatti, Dr. Ayra Inderias, Rev. Rashid Manzoor, Ms. Naureen Akhtar, Jamshed Gill, Dr. Matthew Jeong, Miss Nida Feroze, Asher Shahzad Gill, Irfan Mufti, Minhas Justin, and James Rehmat, delivered lectures on topics related to women’s empowerment and gender equality.
The five-day-long event provided a platform for young Christians to discuss a wide range of emerging issues in relation to gender equality context and theological themes such as "journey together: empowering young girls and women in leadership and ministry," "promoting gender equality in church and society," "journey together: women’s health and well-being," and "journey together: empowering young girls and women for social transformation."
The ecumenical school also discussed the topics of introduction to gender dynamics, the Biblical perspectives on gender, gender stereotypes and biases, inter-sectionality, women in church history, theology of leadership, developing young girls and women leaders, overcoming barriers, promoting gender equality, addressing gender-based violence, advocacy and activism, engaging men and boys as allies, young girls and women's physical health, mental, and emotional well-being, balancing roles and responsibilities, creating supportive communities, women’s empowerment and social change, women’s voices and representation in political decision-making, and engaging in social justice issues.
The summer ecumenical school provided an opportunity for young people to foster a deeper understanding of gender equality issues, promote young girls' and women's empowerment, and explore their role in religious and social contexts. The event also highlighted a time for people of faith to renew their relationship with God and all creation through celebration, prayer, and action and raised different avenues of collaboration for unity, witness, and services together on gender equality-related issues for poor and marginalized communities across the country.
The participants took part in ecumenical holy communion on a daily basis throughout the workshop as per the theme of the ecumenical school, which was organized by the Church of Pakistan, the Roman Catholic Church, the Presbyterian Church of Pakistan, and the Salvation Army in Pakistan. Two special communions were also organized on the commemoration of Independence Day (August 14), with prayers for peace and prosperity for the beloved country.
The summer ecumenical school adopted a formal declaration titled "Journeying Together in Search of Gender Equality: Empowering Young Girls and Women in Church and Society" While explaining the significance of the summer ecumenical school for young people, ECHD Executive Director James Rehmat stated that the Holy Bible called young people in times of danger and challenge. Young people stand for warm blood, strength, passion, freedom, bravery, growth, identity, and even confusion, he added.
He further highlighted that young people should focus on advancing young girls' and women’s rights through advocacy and policy dialogue, the provision of service delivery, research, and networking in relation to gender equality.
"We are very blessed to facilitate a major ecumenical event open exclusively to young Christians." As Pakistanis, especially young Christians, face numerous challenges in their daily lives, it is our sincere hope and prayer that the ecumenical school will help participants and churches to discuss and reflect on problems faced by young people in their respective contexts," he mentioned.
He stated, "We also hope that the event will address all issues as per theme effectively and equip young ecumenists to become agents of change for justice, peace, mission, and outreach."
The workshop, organized with the technical and financial support of the KERKINACTIE, the Netherlands, was attended by 35 young male and female Christian students and professionals from across Punjab province.