Gender Justice Ministry
The Gender Justice Ministry of the ELCJHL
Overview
The Gender Justice Ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land is dedicated to promoting gender justice and equality in all of our ministries and programs, both within the church and in the wider community. Our mission is to empower women and girls and advocate for their rights and equality, challenge patriarchal structures and systems that contribute to gender-based violence and oppression, and create a community of empowered women and men who can effect change in their communities.
The Gender Justice Ministry of the ELCJHL was initially established as the Women's Desk in 2008. The Women's Desk was created to address the significant cultural challenges and gender gap faced by women in Palestine, particularly those living under occupation. The desk served as a listening ear to women in the church and community, providing solutions to address issues related to traditional gender role ideology.
Over time, the Women's Desk expanded its scope and programs to address broader issues related to gender inequality and discrimination within the church and society at large. As a result, the ministry was renamed the Gender Justice Ministry to reflect its broader focus. Today, the Gender Justice Ministry of the ELCJHL remains committed to promoting gender justice and equality in all of its ministries and programs, empowering women and girls, advocating for their rights and equality, and challenging patriarchal structures and systems that contribute to gender-based violence and oppression. The desk is run by Ms. Ranan Issa and Ms. Shadin Nassar, and informed by a committee of women from the church, adhering to the ELCJHL's commitment to increasing women's leadership.
Through our Gender Justice Ministry, we provide education and training on gender justice and equality to our congregation members and the wider community, support the development of women's leadership within the church, and advocate and lobby for gender justice and equality at national and regional levels. We also collaborate with other local and international interfaith-based actors, organizations, and groups that share our commitment to gender justice.
The Gender Justice Ministry of the ELCJHL is an essential part of our mission to serve and support, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to promoting gender justice and equality in our community. We believe that achieving full equality for women is essential to creating a just and equitable society for all.
Contact Information
For more information about the Women’s Ministries of the ELCJHL, contact Mrs. Ranan Issa, the Gender Justice Ministry Program Manager, at the ELCJHL Synod Offices at elcjhlwomendesk@gmail.com
Links to Articles about the ELCJHL Gender Justice Ministry
Holy Land Lutherans Adopt Gender Justice in Ecclesiastical Court Constitution
Palestine: Women trust a woman judge to “understand them”.
Promoting Gender Justice in Palestine
Catalysts of Change: A Dialogue with Al-Azhar Judges Advocating Gender Justice in Palestine
