Christian Conference of Asia | Home | About CCA | e-Letter | Programs | Resource | Contact Us | CCA News and Updates     About CCA Program Clusters: » Ecumenical Formation, Gender Justice and Youth Empowerment » Faith Mission and Unity » Justice, International Affairs, Development and Service Special Programs: » HIV/AIDS Concerns   Sound the Bamboo [CCA Hymnal]     Celebrating International Women's Day   8 March 2008 'Renewing our Pledge to Promote Gender Justice and Overcome Violence against Women in Asia' Dear Fellow-pilgrims of Peace, Greetings from Christian Conference of Asia. As you know on 8th March we commemorate International Women's Day (IWD). The celebration started as a political event to claim the rights and dignity of women. Though the political and human rights theme as designated by the United Nations runs strong and political and social awareness of the struggles of women worldwide are however in the present context many times our celebrations end up in the form of tokenism. The consumerist capitalist culture in neocolonized Asia IWD celebration has often lost its human rights flavor of promoting gender justice in order to build communities of peace. Asian Churches have a very crucial role uphold the real essence of IWD and educate the congregation to reflect their 'faith into action' to promote gender justice. This is crucial because gender violence through present in every country of the world but in some conservative societies of Asia, it has not even been considered an issue until recently and remains a taboo subject for public discussion. Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations rightly claims: "Violence against women is perhaps the most shameful human rights violation. It knows no boundaries of geography, culture or wealth. As long as it continues, we cannot claim to be making real progress towards equality, development and peace." Many times Asian Churches also needs confess that: It remained silent about violence against women in society, domestic violence within families of congregational members and abuse and discrimination within Church. Secluding women in decision making process of Church. Mistaken gender justice as agenda of women only and not educating both men and women together for partnership of equals. IWD is an important day for the Asian churches to renew their commitment and pledge to promote Re-affirm and strengthen commitment to gender justice and full participation of women in Church and society. Acknowledge and recognize the achievements of women especially the contributions of the grassroots women to society. Engage in education and action to end all forms of violence against women and children in Church and society. Continue to encourage resistance to all forces of globalization that disintegrate the dignity of women, children, people of vulnerable communities and the Mother Earth. Engage in healing and reconciliation ministry by guaranteeing support to women victims of abuse and violence especially in situations of conflict and war. Asian Churches have tremendous potential to be salt and leaven so that every one can have life to its fullness. Therefore brothers and sisters on the IWD we urge Asian Churches to practice genuine solidarity with women to be embodiment of our faith in Jesus Christ who showed us the way to build communities of peace. Shalom Prawate Khid-arn General Secretary posted by cbs on Tuesday, March 11, 2008   Archives: May 2003 / June 2003 / July 2003 / August 2003 / September 2003 / October 2003 / November 2003 / January 2004 / March 2004 / April 2004 / May 2004 / June 2004 / July 2004 / August 2004 / September 2004 / October 2004 / November 2004 / December 2004 / January 2005 / February 2005 / April 2005 / May 2005 / June 2005 / August 2005 / October 2005 / November 2005 / December 2005 / March 2006 / April 2006 / May 2006 / June 2006 / July 2006 / October 2006 / November 2006 / February 2007 / March 2007 / April 2007 / May 2007 / June 2007 / August 2007 / December 2007 / January 2008 / February 2008 / March 2008 / June 2008 / July 2008 / August 2008 / September 2008 / February 2009 / June 2009 / September 2009 / October 2009 / November 2009 / January 2010 / February 2010 / March 2010 / June 2010 / July 2010 / August 2010 / September 2010 / November 2010 / December 2010 / February 2011 / March 2011 / April 2011 / May 2011 / June 2011 / July 2011 / August 2011 / September 2011 / October 2011 / November 2011 / December 2011 / January 2012 / February 2012 / March 2012 / April 2012 / May 2012 / June 2012 / July 2012 / August 2012 / September 2012 / October 2012 / November 2012 / December 2012 /