Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) September 27, 2014
Dr. Mimi Haddad joined with eight leaders and three World Vision staff from Channels of Hope for Gender (CoHG) to learn about the challenges of gender inequality in throughout Africa, and to witness and assist the work CoHG is engaged in around Durban, South Africa.
CoHG works with religious leaders throughout Africa to transform ideas and attitudes which undergird gender injustice in all forms. Because faith leaders are cultural gatekeepers, CoHG believes they must promote principles of gender equality in order to produce healthy families and communities.
“It is an incredibly powerful experience to be part of a growing collective of Christian gender equality advocates,” stated Dr. Haddad. “Working with faith leaders to build a strong biblical foundation for women’s dignity and leadership is the core of CBE’s mission. I hope to see this trip solidify CBE’s partnership with Channels of Hope for Gender and create many opportunities for collaboration in the coming years.”
Following her time with CoHG, Dr. Haddad visited with CBE South Africa, CBE’s sister organization in Johannesburg, to help plan the 2016 CBE conference in South Africa before traveling to Bondo, Kenya to be part of the first Ekklesia Foundation for Gender Education (EFOGE) Pan African conference.
EFOGE is a nonprofit dedicated to advocating for gender justice from a biblical perspective in Africa. EFOGE and CBE have been sister organizations since the founding of EFOGE, regularly participating in conferences and training sessions together. At the EfOGE conference, Dr. Haddad gave two lectures and met with local Christian leaders to discuss the challenges of patriarchy in the church.
“Reaching regional Christian leaders is crucial if we are to address the tragic abuses that result from a shallow reading of Scripture,” noted Dr. Haddad. “EFOGE offers a consistent reading of Scripture and groundbreaking resources for leaders creating change in their communities. We must reach out to faith leaders because they are often the most influential members in their communities. Their beliefs and values inspire communities to respect and empower girls and women. Gender equality in communities is linked with lower rates of HIV, higher levels of child well-being, and greater family stability.”
In its effort to advance a biblical foundation for gift-based rather than gender-based service, CBE sponsors annual conferences, facilitates local chapters, hosts an online book service, and publishes two award-winning journals. For more information, visit http://www.cbeinternational.org