Harnessing Faith and Culture: Advancing Women’s Rights and Responding to Violence

In this side-event to the Human Rights Council, faith-based organizations present practical examples of overcoming violence against women and girls in communities, based on an ethic of resistance to injustice. The churches’ practice and theological reflection are part and parcel of the critical approach to faith and religion. This approach can help to dismantle the often dangerous connection between religion and culture that relegates women to the domestic sphere where violence most frequently occurs.



The LWF is a convening partner, alongside the World Council of Churches, Islamic Relief Worldwide and the World YWCA.



Panelists

• Moderator: Elaine Neuenfeldt, Lutheran World Federation, Program Secretary, Women in Church and Society
• Hendrica Okondo, World YWCA, Global Program Manager SRHR and HIV and AIDS
• Malayah Harper, UN AIDS, Chief, Gender Equality and Diversity
• Iman Sandra Pertek, Islamic Relief Worldwide, Senior Policy Advisor on Gender
• Fulata Lusungu Moyo, World Council of Churches, Program Executive, Women in Church and Society
  
  
  
  The panelists are encouraged to discuss the issues from multiple dimensions of Christian and Islamic theology and justice, education, health and social norms. Additionally, the convening organizations will deliver a joint oral statement, related to the panel discussion, during the June session of the Human Rights Council.