Faith and Gender Conference in Kenya

In September, three leaders from ER development projects attended the 2025 Pan-African Faith and Gender Justice Conference at St. Paul’s University in Limuru, Kenya. Clalffin Achimba from Edmund Rice Eldoret Empowerment Programme, Julie Kibii from Edmund Rice Catholic Education Centre and Sammy Muga from Edmund Rice Centre Nairobi participated in the three-day gathering to explore how faith, theology and community leadership can become transformative tools for social reconciliation, gender justice, and violence prevention.

The conference was hosted by the Institute for Faith and Gender Empowerment, an organisation committed to transforming faith spaces into safe, inclusive environments where justice, equality and dignity for all are upheld. The conference convened a dynamic community of faith leaders, theologians, legal practitioners, gender advocates, civil society representatives, and young changemakers across Africa. The 200 faith-based attendees were called to challenge gendered violence, rethink scriptural interpretations that perpetuate oppression and advocate for equality grounded in faith values.

Clalffin, Julie and Sammy were able to understand the role of faith-based organisations in addressing Gender-based Violence (GBV) and promoting gender justice. They also had the opportunity to network with like-minded organisations to strengthen their advocacy initiatives. Participants explored how faith, when rooted in justice and compassion, can become a powerful ally in advancing gender equality. The sessions inspired collective accountability, urging faith leaders to move from silence to action and from preaching to practice. A key highlight was the call to observe Thursdays as a day of remembrance for women affected by GBV, promoting prayer, advocacy, and community engagement. Participants departed with renewed conviction to make faith a living testimony of justice, healing wounds, amplifying women’s voices, and leading transformation across Africa.

‘The experience was deeply enriching, broadening our understanding, strengthening our commitment to gender equality, and inspiring us to apply the lessons learned within our programmes and communities.’
- Clalffin Achimba

ERD’s Capacity Development project supported the attendance of Clalffin, Julie and Sammy, and we look forward to working with them to share their learnings and further strengthen gender equality in Edmund Rice Mission.