Women’s conference great success

Presbyterian women from some African countries converged on the Blantyre CCAP Synod’s Multi-Purpose Hall from December 17-20 where they discussed the issues that affect them.

JAMES CHIMPWEYA talked to director of the synod’s Women’s Desk Reverend Annie Kapinda on the highlights of the conference.

What issues did you discuss during the conference?

We discussed how we can strengthen our faith, develop our churches, avoid stigma against people who have HIV and Aids, and how to fight gender-based violence. We also discussed how we can stand firm when dealing with the challenges we face. Another issue that we dealt with was safe motherhood to reduce maternal mortality. As church leaders, we should take the leading role in sensitising our members on these issues.

What resolutions did you reach with regard to girls and women?

We have agreed to start with the development of the girl child by us mothers to begin training them right from home. We should also train them in the Church through, for example, Girls Brigade and Sunday school by teaching them Christian values and the importance of self-development through education as well as skills acquisition. We also discussed women empowerment through skills acquisitions like in soap making and dress making.

How do you make follow-ups on these issues?

We agreed to conduct such conferences annually at parish/presbytery levels. We also proposed that at the synod level, we should hold the conferences every three years. We should start planning immediately for the next conference in 2014.

What is your final word on the conference?

We thank God for helping us feed and accommodate all invited delegates from other countries. The coming of the President was another high point for us. All in all, it was an eye opener.