In July 2024, ALARM Uganda hosted two transformative Gender Equality, Partnership, and Reconciliation (GEPR) workshops at the ALARM Peacebuilding and Technical School in Pader District, Northern Uganda. Over 70 participants, church leaders, women leaders, and youth from diverse denominations, came together for a shared purpose: to deepen understanding and capacity around gender equality within their churches and communities.
The workshops aimed to challenge cultural norms, align biblical teachings with inclusive leadership, and equip participants with the skills to address gender-based violence, inequality, and harmful stereotypes that persist across the region. With dynamic facilitation by Fidelis Karanja (ALARM GEPR Coordinator) and Rev. Stephen Olika Enenu, the sessions embraced participatory methods to promote learning, reflection, and actionable change.
“This training has helped us rethink our cultural assumptions and understand that gender roles can be shared,” said one participant. “The Bible is not biased, our interpretation was.”
Highlights of the Training:
- Biblical Gender Insights: Participants studied scriptural foundations from both the Old and New Testaments that affirm the equality and dignity of both women and men.
- Contextual Learning: Through group work, drawing exercises, and reflection, leaders examined the roots and consequences of gender inequality in their local contexts.
- Transformative Testimonies: From pastors to nurses, participants shared powerful stories of how the training shifted their worldview and leadership approach.
- Action Planning: Each group committed to community-level engagement, with plans to train others and initiate gender-inclusive programs in their churches.
“We’ve been sleeping. But now, we’re awake,” shared Petrema Elzadev, a nurse and church leader. “We’re going into the community to spread what we’ve learned.”
The Impact is Clear—and Ongoing
Participants left with a renewed sense of mission and equipped with practical tools to advocate for gender justice within churches, schools, and households. Many have already begun cascading their learnings to others, challenging discrimination, and promoting dignity and peace.
“I used to devalue women,” admitted Douglas from Pader Community Church. “This training opened my eyes. Now I know gender roles can be shared.”
What’s Next—and How You Can Help
While the change sparked is powerful, much remains to be done. Participants strongly recommended that:
- Future training include men and husbands of current trainees to shift entrenched gender attitudes holistically.
- Marginalized communities and cultural leaders be directly engaged to tackle cultural practices that undermine gender equality.
- Church leaders without formal theological training receive targeted education to properly interpret and teach biblical principles on gender.
This work is only achievable through the generosity of our partners, donors, and funders who believe in a more just, peaceful, and equitable society rooted in faith. Every training equips leaders who return home as agents of transformation, breaking cycles of violence and inequality.
Would you consider walking with us further? Together, we can expand GEPR trainings to remote regions, equip more leaders, and support gender champions throughout Uganda.
