Session 6: Overcoming the Darkness
Our goals for this last session are that you will:
- be able to celebrate what has been achieved in the fight against gender-based violence
- be inspired to advocate for change in situations of systemic injustice
- reflect on what you have learnt on the course and integrate action items into your life.
Before starting this session, you should have re-read chapter 13 Seeing Signs of Hope (page 221ff), and found an encouraging news story about changes in attitudes towards gender-based violence.
Recap (5 mins)
Based on the session last week, how would you answer these two questions?
- Islam and the Qu’ran: Is there a difference?
- Does the Bible oppress or liberate women?
Watch Video 8 (10 mins)
In this video Elaine updates us on progress made since she wrote the book
Recent Developments UK (10 mins)
The time of the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated problems for women and girls, especially because of the severe lock-downs, trapping people in toxic living situations. Reportedly teenage pregnancies sky-rocketed in Uganda, for example. In Afghanistan women’s rights took a hard hit with the return of the Taliban to national leadership. But it is not all bad news. Each chapter of Elaine Storkey’s book highlights organisations and individuals working to combat gender-based violence, and they are found in every area of the world. Even though there are still huge problems to be solved, hopefully you were able to find one or two good news stories before this session! Here are some examples we found at time of writing:
In 2018 Scotland passed a Domestic Abuse Act criminalizing coercive behaviour and manipulation.
In June 2019 at the International Labour Conference they adopted a new worldwide convention to end violence and harassment in the workplace.
In May 2020, Sudan’s Government approved an amendment to the criminal law that effectively banned the practice of Female Genital Mutilation.
The UK’s Domestic Abuse Act became law on 29th April 2021. (information available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/domestic-abuse-act-2021)
Now watch Video 9 (5 mins)
In this video Esther Swaffield-Bray from IJM shares her story.
Reflection
Think about the following questions:
- What did IJM do in the Philippines?
- What factors were needed to bring about large-scale change?
- What do you think are some keys to ending the problem of gender-based violence?
Watch the final video of the course, Recap Video (5 mins)
Here Elaine speaks some words of thanks to you for engaging with the course, and gives some closing thoughts especially about the crucial role of the church in addressing issues of gender-based violence.
Roundup (15 mins)
As you think back over the course…
- What most impacted you about the course?
- What did it make you feel?
- Are there any things that you are going to do as a result?
Finish by spending some time praying for organisations fighting against gender-based violence and for women at risk of violence.
Final Thoughts
Elaine’s final video. A thank you message for taking part on this course.
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