women and their voices

"Powerful Women: Women and their voices" is the theme of the leadership training for women in Bulacan, Philippines. Twelve women in leadership positions from Tanzania, Indonesia, the Philippines, South Africa, Germany and the Democratic Republic of Congo participate in this event from 19 to 30 November 2018. The aim is to discuss the role of women in leadership positions in Asia, Africa and Europe. The training will take place in cooperation with the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP).

Storytelling as a method of overcoming trauma and for empowering women.

Al Fuertes, Professor at George Mason University for Psychosocial Trauma Healing in Virginia, Washington DC, introduced the method of storytelling as a method of trauma management and conflict resolution. In addition, the pastor of the United Church of Christ in Centerville, USA, emphasized the importance of storytelling for leaders to break the silence of affected women and support them. Especially in cultural contexts, in which stories are predominantly passed on orally, this is an important tool to draw attention to problems.

The former professor at Silliman University Pastorin, Jane Montenegro and Valerina Palomo, member of the church leadership of the UCCP, introduced a community in the war zone in Mindanao. Through the method of storytelling, they shared different aspects of their work and reported on daily survival in Santo Nino.

"I learned a lot about storytelling and the creation of safe spaces," said Marthe Maleke Kondemo, pastor of the United Evangelical Church on Lulonga (CADELU). "Here women can share their stories and work on solutions."

In addition, the participants, together with Trelly Marigza, UCCP activist and gender consultant, addressed advocacy and rhetoric. During the leadership training the participants also had the opportunity to exchange their experiences as leaders.

The seminar will be chaired by Irene Girsang, UEM interregional women's programme officer, and Lena Wallraff, tutor at the UEM training centre Wuppertal.

UEM online editorial office