Elder Martha, Gender Project Officer, Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu 

Elder Martha works for our church partner in Vanuatu, travelling to communities throughout the nation, telling the story of God’s plan for men and women, equal, in partnership, toward fullness of life. She shared recently: 

You know when I started in this work, I had only seen men in leadership and like all my sisters, I had no confidence in myself to be part of anything that could really create change for our communities.  

But I knew that our families were suffering – culturally we accepted men’s violence against women and children; we never questioned our place as housewives; we never spoke up or shared our ideas. And that was bad for everyone, bad for our society. 

When the influential chiefs and leaders from the villages came to hear this message, alongside their wives, they were curious. And when those same men went home and changed the way they treated their families, people could not ignore it. They saw men who had spent all their days with other men, who disciplined their wives and children with beatings, now staying at home to help care for children, to cook a meal, to wash the pots. This is so new, so strange! They saw these men invite women to speak, to contribute. What was happening? People watched. People talked. 

I am so grateful to you all for your faithful support and for your knowledge that God’s spirit is powerful to convict and transform, in God’s time.  

We do it together, knowing that while it takes time, it will be successful. Ten years ago I could not have believed this change was possible. Now I am seeing it all come together. It is happening. 

Pastor Waiena, Gender Equality Theology Minister, Kiribati Uniting Church

Warm greetings from Kiribati. My name is Pastor Waiena, and I am honoured to share my journey in promoting gender equality in our community. 

Gender equality is crucial in Kiribati, where patriarchal systems often leave women and children vulnerable. By embracing gender equality, we can bring peace, happiness, and safety to our islands. Our movement is like nurturing old, sweet wine, blooming with new opportunities as we spread this vital message through workshops and partnerships. 

I began this work as a GET Minister in December 2021, with the support of my family, colleagues, and UnitingWorld. My motivation comes from witnessing the neglect and violence against women and children. Inspired by John 10:10, I strive to help everyone live life to the fullest, free from fear and inequality. 

Our work involves planning, raising awareness, and fostering strong bonds. Despite cultural resistance, we are seeing positive changes. Women are gaining the courage to report violence and make decisions. 

Your support is vital in changing mindsets and promoting safer communities. Please pray for our continued efforts and for an end to violence in Kiribati. Together, we can create a genuinely Christian and equal Kiribati. 

In faith and solidarity, 

Pastor Waiena 

Leila Parina, United Church in Papua New Guinea 

Dear friends, 

I was fortunate to attend training in gender equality theology through my church. It meant a lot, because in our communities there is domestic violence, neglected families, rape and harassment, and church teachings do not often touch on these topics. Through the training I learnt more about God’s love for all people and different theological perspectives and ways of interpreting scripture. These have inspired me to continue working and advocating as part of my faith community and finding my vocation. I am now studying to become a journalist to share the stories of women in the Pacific and the challenges they face.  

By empowering women and educating the community through gender equality, there is more peace and communities can flourish and thrive. Because violence and inequality affect everyone, I believe the solution also needs to involve the whole community, including churches. That’s why it is important to use faith and scripture in all acts and services to bring change. 

I’d like to acknowledge the efforts of international partners and supporters who have shared resources to help the gender equality cause in the Pacific. There are many life-changing testimonies and positive outcomes that have been achieved because of the generous support of our partners, and for that we Pacific islanders are grateful! 

Thank you. 

Rev. Siera has been one of the key people building a movement for gender equality across the Pacific for more than a decade now, working with United Church in the Solomon Islands, UnitingWorld and the Pacific Conference of Churches. 

We need to fight for equality because right now in the Pacific two out of every three women suffer violence, our islands have some of the highest rates of violence against women and children in the world. 

What motivates me is the idea that women should have freedom to serve their church and community; if they want to be ordained or a leader, that should be decided by their education.  

For the church to say, ‘no you can’t be ordained because you’re a woman’, I completely disagree with that, especially because there are still so few women being allowed to serve and share their gifts. 

This journey started like a small boat, with just a few of us on it starting to show how faith and Christian leadership were essential to progressing gender equality in the Pacific.   

Then UnitingWorld resourced it and we could engage whole denominations and start to see shifts. It became like a large ship, where many churches, women’s fellowships and leaders started to come on board. Now it is far bigger and there is a need for resources. 

The passage in the Bible that really motivates and encourages me to continue in this work is John 10:10 about ‘fullness of life’ that Jesus brings. For me it helps remind us that we not only connect with other people, but also with the world, the environment. 

It’s important today because of how climate change is affecting our communities and especially our women. So, we need to have more collaboration across countries to help create more safe, healthy and resilient communities. We can be part of that fullness of life for all people and creation. 

Thank you to everyone who has been with us on this journey.