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Center for Women, Faith & Leadership Hosts Fellowship Workshop in Ghana
From May 5-10, 2024, IGE’s Center for Women, Faith & Leadership (CWFL) hosted its spring 2024 workshop in Accra, Ghana, as part of its Global Multifaith Fellowship program. The workshop convened six Christian and Muslim women leaders from five countries (Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, United States, and the Philippines) for skill building on mental health, marketing, faith and identity, mentorship, and religious freedom.
During the workshop, Fellows delivered presentations on their Capstone projects to Muslim and Christian leaders that were part of the Multifaith Neighbors Network (MFNN). The Capstone, a key element of the Fellowship, gives Fellows an opportunity to tangibly apply the skills and techniques they have been learning to address an issue affecting the vulnerable and marginalized in their communities.
This year, several projects highlighted issues impacting the wellbeing of women and young girls. For example, Kenyan Fellow Sr. Mary Sebastian’s Capstone project will identify and serve young women who are being trafficked across the Kenya/Tanzania border. Malawian Fellow Linda Masoo’s project seeks to equip women with entrepreneurial and leadership skills. American Fellow Fatimah Popal is working to combat religious trauma in the Islamic community. Her project will conduct workshops and training for religious leaders on how religious trauma occurs and mending the resulting broken relationships.
During the workshop, Fellows heard from the MFNN co-founders Dr. Bob Roberts (who is also IGE’s president), Imam Mohamed Magid, and Rabbi David Saperstein in a panel discussion on the importance of male allies. A second panel featured women leaders from two local NGOs, Global Mamas and the Practical Education Network, who shared about their work and its impact on women’s advancement. The Fellows also visited Global Mamas’ Accra store as well as Jamestown Fort and surrounding areas, learning more about the historical and contemporary dynamics that are impacting the people of Accra.
The workshop concluded with a presentation from IGE board chair and President of the International Religious Freedom Secretariat Nadine Maenza. Her remarks focused on the status and importance of religious freedom worldwide.
Celebrating the birthday of IGE CWFL Senior Fellow Afeefa Syeed.
CWFL Fellows with Multifaith Neighbors Network co-founders Dr. Bob Roberts, Imam Mohamed Magid, and Rabbi David Saperstein.
Group photo of 2022-23 CWFL Fellowship cohort in Accra, Ghana
CWFL Fellows with IGE board chair and IRF Secretariat president Nadine Maenza and Shai Fund president Charmaine Hedding.
CWFL Fellows visit Global Mamas store in Accra.
Philippines Fellow R’love Rojas presents her Capstone project.