Christian Women Connecting for Global Impact

Christian Women Connecting for Global Impact

Tuesday 11th August saw Christian leaders from Auckland and beyond attend the event ‘Christian Women Connecting for Global Impact’ at AUT. They met to share their stories and hear from Amanda Jackson about the experiences of women around the world. In her role as  Executive Director of the Womens Commission,  World Evangelical Alliance, Amanda sees firsthand the challenges faced by  women across many nations as they seek to understand and live out their lives as women of faith.

The evening was also the launch of Women as One, the NZ and South Pacific Women’s Commission, recently established under the  umbrella of the NZCN. The Commission has a vision to provide a platform to Connect, Equip and provide an opportunity to hear the Voices of Christian Women in New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Leaders Janet Tuck and Rachel Afeaki-Taumoepeau shared their hopes and aspirations for the Commission. They see a real opportunity to connect Christian women across New Zealand and the Pacific region from different denominations and ethnic backgrounds.

Attendees shared their stories in relation to four key words: Leadership, Opportunity, Woman and Church. The journey has been hard for some, with the stories quite ‘gritty’ and honest. However the evening was one of real warmth and connection. There was a lot of laughter, and some new friendships established. The few brave men who attended were provided with women’s wigs in order to ‘blend in’ more easily. Glyn Carpenter sporting a long white wig almost looked the part!

Feedback from the night has been very positive, with several telling of a sense of God calling them to be there, and a real excitement about what might come next.

Special thanks go to:

  • Agnes Naera and Chantelle Lincoln from AUT for the wonderful hospitality and opportunity to run this event as part of their diversity week
  • Amanda Jackson for visiting and inspiring us with her vision for women around the globe, and to husband Lewis for his wit and wisdom
  • The wonderful women who attended the evening and participated so honestly and graciously
  • To our God who continues to inspire, equip, empower and guide us on our journeys

We look forward to the NZ & South Pacific Women’s Commission “ Women as One” developing a range of activities and opportunities for engagement. Watch this space.

See Amanda Jackson’s blog post, Stained-Glass Ceilings for more about her time with us.

WEA Women’s Commission Newsletter – July 2015

WEA Women’s Commission Newsletter – July 2015

Welcome

Welcome to our first Women’s Commission update in the new format to mark our new name and new ideas.

Amanda Jackson
Amanda Jackson

I am the new Executive Director of the Women’s Commission of the World Evangelical Alliance, and it will be a privilege to learn about your initiatives and encourage you in leadership over the coming years.

We are entering a new and exciting phase of the Commission’s work and I look forward to seeing more women taking the lead in issues affecting women and girls in all regions and denominations.

I am grateful to God for the leadership of women in each region – Leela, Nabila, Jenifer, Joanna, Janet and Rachel, and Yoon Hee. And I am also thrilled that we have the help of Angie Francois in the New York office of the WEA.

Today, we would like to share a story from Egypt and hope that it will inspire you. As well, we have news of an upcoming event against violence in the Caribbean – Please Pray, Learn and Take action.


Education and prayerful action can overcome violence

WEA_Egypt_education

Three hundred young women and girls in Egypt heard about their rights and the love of God at meetings last week organized by the Women’s Commission.

Dr Nabila Nakhla who led the team in the city of Maghagha, two hours from Cairo is sure the Holy Spirit helped the girls to understand for the first time issues of gender inequality and to know their true worth in God.

She says, “This area has a high incidence of sexual violence. At least 10 of the girls said they were being molested by Moslem lads, who had promised marriage. They feel very guilty and fearful – there is a real fear they could be killed if their father or brother finds out.”

Read more about the work in Egypt


Barbados Christians speak up against violence

WEA_Barbados

It’s estimated that 14,000 men and boys are trafficked in the Caribbean region each year – that’s 40 a day. A conference in Barbados for men and boys this week (June 24-27) will raise awareness of this terrible threat. Organised by the Caribbean Anti-Trafficking task force, the meeting will try to overcome misconceptions about trafficking and look for solutions.

Jenifer Johnson, head of the Women’s Commission in the Caribbean, who is hosting the meeting, says, “The Caribbean region has seen a sudden influx of guns and violent crimes across the region, associated with the drug trade and trafficking. We want to offer a better way.”

Marq Taylor from Atlanta, which is a hub for trafficked people in the the USA, will speak of his city’s experiences, at a schools’ event and events for youth and men. Many may think that trafficking affects only women but the meeting aims to draw attention to the danger of trafficking for men and boys.   Read More


With prayers that your ministry and leadership can be strengthened and grown,

Amanda Jackson