Faith-based community convene on Human Rights Day to address Gender-based Violence, Human Rights, and the Scriptures
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Father Sean Major-Campbell and Rev. Cynara Dube—Khan on Human Rights Day. UN Women Photo/Dorian Clarke
Faith leaders and faith communities play a vital role in many people’s lives, providing moral guidance and the foundation for social and cultural norms. Faith-based organisations have the potential to enable a society that normalizes gender-based violence OR ensures women and girls live their utmost potential, without fear of violence across society.
On December 10, 2023, the Christ Church Anglican Church with the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative hosted the International Human Rights Day Worship Service and Brunch Forum to encourage Faith-based Organizations to prevent and respond to Violence against women and girls (VAWG). The church service featured messages from key stakeholders from civil society, academia and human rights advocates like Father Sean Major-Campbell, Anglican priest.
Representative, UN Women Multi-Country Office – Caribbean, Tonni Brodber said: “Faith is a powerful motivator for most people in the Caribbean. The promise of peace, in our homes, communities, countries and the world. Faith leaders are critical players in promoting peaceful relations and the promise of each practitioner. We were grateful to have Faith based leaders engaged in the leadership of the Spotlight initiative through the CSNRG and look forward to our continued partnership.”
Rev. Cynara Dube—Khan presents during the Brunch Forum on Human Rights Day.
UN Women Photo/Dorian Clarke
Forum Presenter and Guest Preacher, Rev. Cynara Dube—Khan, Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago called for members of the faith-based community in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean to take urgent, transformative steps to address VAWG to “be each other’s keeper.” This she noted while recalling a childhood memory of sexual harassment which she noted was so normalized in Caribbean societies.
Rev. Dube-Khan said: “Righteousness does not shoot a gun at his wife then shoot himself … you know the story? Righteousness does not gash a throat and leave you for dead … you know the story? Righteousness does not beat you, rape you and mash up your bones ... you know the story?” We can choose to be on the right side of God. We can choose to be on the right side of history. Our lives of righteousness and justice will make a path to peace. When we are each other’s keeper, we make a path to peace.”
Anglican priest Father Sean Major-Campbell of Christ Church and member of the Spotlight Initiative Civil Society National Reference Group (CSNRG) noted during the church service:
“Human Rights advocacy is …a tool available to all gospel agents of justice, peace and love because some of us won’t do the right thing unless it is legislated.”
Attendees at the Brunch Forum. UN Women Photo/Dorian Clarke
More than 70 members of the congregation attended the learning brunch forum to discuss the role of faith-based communities in VAWG prevention and response, which included solutions to address the challenges faced by victims/survivors of gender-based violence.
This Worship Service and Brunch Forum was one of a series of activities to engage religious leaders and faith-based stakeholders in conversations on becoming key allies to eliminate violence against women and girls (VAWG) and ultimately, achieve gender equality. On December 7, UN Women hosted a South-to-South Exchange with 10 leaders in several faith-based organisations in Jamaica, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that serve GBV victims/survivors and Dr. Anrisana Jalsa from Souled Servants (SOS) Youth Mission Group of the Presbyterian Church in Trinidad and Tobago. The exchange focused on the topic, “People of Faith united against gender-based violence call to advocacy and intervention: Called to be Equipped” and included a discussion about a toolkit on GBV Response for Faith-based organisations.
Dr. Anrisana Jalsa, Souled Servants (SOS) Youth Mission Group of the Presbyterian Church in Trinidad and Tobago speaks to members from different faith-based communities and civil society organisations. UN Women Photo/ Pat Donald Phillips
Dr. Anrisana Jalsa, Souled Servants (SOS) Youth Mission Group of the Presbyterian Church in Trinidad and Tobago presents to 10 representatives from different Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths and civil society organisations. UN Women Photo/ Pat Donald Phillips