Educate a Woman and You Are Educating an Entire Village
-- African Proverb
As people around the world prepare to celebrate International Women's Day on March 8th, we have had the joy of hosting the She Matters Short Term Mission team serving in Kenya this past week with our friend and colleague, Brenda Halk.
She Matters is Canadian Baptist Ministries' campaign for gender equity. Together with our partners we are working to educate, equip and empower girls and women who have the potential to be the greatest influencers for change in their families and community.
Brenda and Erica with women leaders in the
African Christian Church and Schools (ACC&S)
The She Matters team has spent this week with the ACC&S, CBM's longest standing partnership in Africa. The ACC&S is growing in its understanding and practice of gender equality. It has been exciting to see the ACC&S embrace women in leadership in the local church and as ordained clergy.
"We look forward to the day when our church has a woman in the highest office of leadership," shared moderator Joseph Maina. "Women are the strongest force in our churches."
Later this year, a group of Canadian and Kenya women leaders and pastors will be embarking on a journey of mutual mentorship and encouragement. We are excited to see how God uses this experience to strength us all.
Sandra Robinson leading a session on parenting
during workshops with ACC&S
during workshops with ACC&S
"SHE MATTERS to me because...
She Love & Cares to the Needy"
Rev. Mary Wanjiku Kanyanjua
Sandra and DJ Moore with members of the CBM Nairobi Self Help Groups
In urban ministry projects like the Self Help Group (SHG) ministry of CBM, women are deepening their experience of solidarity, sisterhood and self-confidence as they work together to address challenges facing their families and community.
The She Matters team had the opportunity to meet Aisha, one of the community facilitators working with women's groups in Nairobi. These groups are learning how to make handmade scarves that are a valuable source of income for several of the groups that are selling their products locally and to church groups in Canada and the United States.
Throughout the week, it has been encouraging to hear the stories of women who are working together to see change in their communities, churches and families.
Throughout the week, it has been encouraging to hear the stories of women who are working together to see change in their communities, churches and families.
Michel Belzile with Self Help Group members
Laura and Erica with a woman leader from Kariobangi
Rhonda and Beth at the ACC&S Cathedral, Thika
As Canadian men and women participate in She Matters, we have the privilege of standing in solidarity with courageous women and men who believe that access to education, livelihoods, and human rights are for ALL people.
Get involved by clicking on the link below and participate in the social media campaign. Raise your voice and lend a hand.
Sandra, DJ and Mary Ellen at the ACC&S Sunday School
You can learn more about She Matters and the work of Canadian Baptist Ministries in Africa and around the world at our website www.cbmin.org
Canadian Baptist Ministries She Matters Too
God bless you today
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