Stories of Global Women’s Empowerment Students
All of these students in the MA-Development opted to take the 7-week intensive Men & Women in Leadership course (GWE 611).
Highlighting gaps, deepening biblical foundations, sparking new conversations in Malawi
Kondwani Chavula As a Manager for a Community Radio Station, working with OM Malawi, and founder of Ufumu Craftsmen business, Kondwani Chavula has worked with marginalized youths and grassroots communities supporting women and youth to help improve sustainable livelihoods and accelerate growth of marginalized communities. He and his wife reside in Lilongwe, Malawi. He shared his reflections on Women & Men in Leadership course, taught by Dr. Lisa Sung (Winter 2024).
For a long time, barriers have existed that have undermined women and girl’s dignity and denied them power and freedom to exercise their gifts. Doing the course “Woman and Men in Leadership” has highlighted the gaps that still exist in leadership, where women have historically been an overlooked minority. My studies have helped me gain a deeper understanding of biblical texts regarding women in leadership, ministry, and life in general. Now I am better able to challenge both misinterpretations of the Bible and views that oppress women and girl children.
Malawi continues to have a high rate of adolescent pregnancy. 29% of adolescent girls aged 15-19 are already mothers or pregnant. One in every five girls has been sexually abused before the age of 18. Those that do start school are often burdened with unpaid care and domestic work, which reduces their chances of their ever returning to school.
The issues, however, go beyond the physical, social, economic, and political spheres, and are spiritually rooted. The activities and assignments we engaged in deepened the biblical foundation for transformation. Consequently, I am looking for better ways to pioneer restoration and healing within our community.
Interestingly, every week I had a take-away from the class that started a conversation at home as I shared with my wife and friends. We discussed ways society has mistreated women, shared insights, and sought answers on how we can do better.
I have greater confidence to be able to step up and advocate for women and girls. I would like to partner with like-minded people to help offer long term solutions: programs to help which will keep girls in school and motivate them to make wise choices; ongoing mentorship and counseling; and social entrepreneurship training.
The course also exposed me to different multicultural and dynamic leadership skills as we shared and collaborated with students from other nations. The conversations were so rich. To initiate change to oppose certain social norms we need to engage all genders and age groups. The whole community needs to take part.
This course helped me to build on my knowledge from my experience and really provided me with the practical tools and ways I can influence transformational change within my community in Malawi. It has provided me with the tools to articulate the gender issues, inequality, and to put in place strategies that would help modify the cultural values and norms that perpetuate gender violence and promote a patriarchal society.
Doing this course has been a very empowering journey for me from the texts, interactions, videos and every class. This course was designed to help leaders, both men and women, to cultivate new growth pathways and to raise the awareness that both men and women are equal in the eyes of God.
The difference a “head” makes, how kephale opens a new vista on leadership
Shade Atanda As a missionary, lawyer, social worker and co-pastor with her husband, Shade Atanda is currently working in community development with Global Hope Network International and ministering at The Leadership Center, Abuja, Nigeria. She is applying a Transformational Community Development Approach as she coaches community leaders, develops projects, and helps cast vision with key stakeholders. She has three adult children. She shared these reflections after completing Women & Men in Leadership course, taught by Dr. Grace May (Fall 2022).
Gleanings from Ruth & Esther. Cultural context shapes how we follow Jesus.
Sundee Simmons is the Associate Director for Perspectives Global. She has worked with the Perspectives Study Program since 1991. Currently, She is married to Scott Simmons, an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church of America who serves with Third Millenium Ministries. They have three adult children Nathan, Emily and Julianna. She is enrolled in WCIU’s MA-Development Program with an Area of Focus in Global Women’s Empowerment. She shared these reflections after completing our intensive Women & Men in Leadership course (GWE 611), taught by Dr. Lisa Sung (Winter 2024).