[Press Release] Faith and feminism working together to advance human rights

“Faith is often portrayed as being in tension with gender equality, but this event highlighted the way that our churches and faith communities are challenging harmful practices and reclaiming narratives, while promoting dignity, equality and justice for all,” Kasper said. “Faith is often at the heart of why we are involved in promoting justice and preventing sexual and gender-based violence,” she added.

Kasper noted that there is increasing pushback against women’s rights and often very little support for those working with survivors to hold perpetrators accountable or challenge harmful norms and practices. “Though we may often feel that we are not making an impact, it is vital to continue working and finding new avenues of collaboration to address the challenges we face,” she said.

Among the faith-based organizations hosting the event were the World Council of Churches, the Latter-Day Saint Charities and the Baha’i International Community, all under the banner of the Faith and Feminism Forum. Participants noted that the panel discussion “served to build bridges” and marked “a timely conversation about the commonality and diversity within faith traditions,” with the shared goal of advancing human rights and “making every life matter.”