Workshop on Gender in Goma (DR Congo)

A workshop in Goma on gender based violence, trauma healing and gender policies took place in Goma on 17th to 19th October 2016 in Goma. The workshop was supported by UEM Africa Department and lead by the Department for Women & Family Issues of the CBCA, headed by Kavira Nganza. Intention of the workshop was an introduction in gender and gender equality, reflecting on the decisions within UEM how gender policy and the code of conduct against sexual harassment can be a help and guideline for the own churches. Reflections on our common biblical texts helps us to understand gender and equality as consequences of God’s creation and Christ’s baptism where there all one in Christ. Currently a document is compiled in Goma reflecting the results of the workshop and the resolutions taken. The following recommendations were mentioned:

Church leaders should select old people and pastors and speak about gender equality
The education department should take up efforts to teach on gender in schools
Women sometimes don’t know about gender equality and their rights – the women departments should offer courses
A campaign should start to sensitize on gender questions
Teaching on equality in the Bible should be taken up
Self-confidence of women needs to be strengthened
Women should have the same rights
Training about masculine and female attitudes and perceptions is important
Policy on gender is needed in CBCA
More capacity building for women
CBCA should respect a decision of its own Ex-Com on 50-50 representation
Ordination of women is needed in CBCA
Gender should be even mentioned in preaching
Pastors should be role modules for accepting gender equality and should not be the first abuse women
Women should take up preaching more often

(Ute Hedrich, MoeWe of Evangelical Church of Westphalia)