A Love Letter to Women in FoRB
February 14, 2023
| By Rachel Miner
REUTERS/Yahir Ceballos

When I think of the women I know who are defending freedom of religion or belief, I think of the mother raising children, pursuing a PhD, all the while working to strengthen legal efforts to protect religious liberty. I think of the human rights advocate who manages to support efforts in Parliament while directing civil society coalitions. I think of the volunteer whose background and attention to interfaith activities strengthen religious diversity in the sector. I think of the woman who preaches on Sunday, and on Monday runs retreats to make sure that women avoid burnout.

To each and every woman in the fight for freedom of religion or belief – thank you. Your efforts are not lost on me, and as a close friend reminded me recently, recognition comes with time…it comes from working hard without caring who is watching.

How can we strengthen each other in this urgent and demanding work?

Be slow to criticize and quick to forgive. Women who already face barriers because of gender deserve our benefit of the doubt. Assume the best, instead of concluding the worst. Celebrate and reinforce good behavior. Be patient recognizing that, as women, we all wear many hats and at any given time, day or night, we are managing many responsibilities.

The way we treat each other as women matters for freedom of religion or belief, not only locally but also globally. We know the intersectionality for women of faith increases the likelihood of persecution. We know that women are expected to work more, provide for families, and never complain. Women of the world are watching us, those with the privilege of advocating for others, those with the privilege of sitting at the table, and speaking for those who are not heard or seen. We owe it to each other and to the integrity of the message we ceaselessly defend to treat each other with dignity, instead of reinforcing for the patriarchy messages of inadequacy, drama, or disdain.

I think of the woman in Nigeria who leads the youth group at church and works full time responding to terror attacks. Her conversion of faith isolated her from her own family and puts her at risk every time she delivers humanitarian aid. But she keeps on giving and fighting, because she is a woman of power.

I think of the Muslim student who wants to be a journalist when she grows up. She wants to tell the stories of her classmates – children born of Boko Haram fighters – and the power of freedom of religion or belief to heal seemingly unmendable divides.

I think of the Pakistani artist who is from a village where girls are not allowed to be educated, so she uses her thread to weave stories of freedom that she shares with the world.

I think of the Yazidi woman who is dedicating her life to help her own community, never seeking the spotlight, and always seeking the solution. Her sense of humor lights up the camps that she visits and reminds everyone what it means to be alive.

I think of the woman in Nepal who is the only female on her committee and yet she speaks with grace instead of ego, who is both inclusive and strategic, and most of all kind.

And then I think of what all these dedicated women can do together to defend freedom, to stop genocide, to hold government accountable, to prosecute perpetrators. Evil has so long been successful in convincing women she will never be good enough by constantly feeding the message that she is alone, inadequate, and powerless. When women fortify women, we dismantle evil and leave space for good to prevail.

During the Holocaust, women played a vital role in documenting the atrocities. When the first Nazi trials were held, women suggested that victims be directly involved in providing evidence for each case. Rachel Auerbach was particularly instrumental in providing sensitive and poignant ways to record testimonies during the Eichmann trial, the bellwether case for Holocaust justice. The world desperately needs the power of women.

As Ruth Bader Ginsburg famously said, “As women achieve power, the barriers will fall. As society sees what women can do, as women see what women can do, there will be more women out there doing things, and we’ll all be better off for it.”

There is a woman younger than you, admiring you from afar, and learning from your example – good or bad. Let’s show her what women can do to defend freedom of religion or belief. Let’s show her the power of womanhood and reclaim our stewardship as matriarchs of conscience and freedom.

 

Rachel Miner is the Founder and CEO of Bellwether International.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FoRB Women’s Alliance.

 

Recent Posts

A Foot in Both Worlds: FoRB and Women’s Rights

Funding Resources for Initiatives that Empower Women

Under Bremerton: New Opportunities for Women’s Rights Abroad through Religion

President Jimmy Carter’s “Call to Action” on Women, Religion, Violence and Power

Women Persecuted for What They Believe: 23 Books to Read

The X Factor

Indian Women Leaders Show Solidarity with Women of Manipur

The Hidden Persecution of Sikh Women in Afghanistan and Pakistan

Freedom of Religion or Belief in Afghanistan: The Taliban’s Grave Threats to Women and Girls

Tragic Outcomes for Ukrainian Women and Children in Russia’s “Holy War”

Advancing Peace through Freedom of Thought, Conscience and Religion: The Role of Women

Echoes of Genocide: The Yazidis’ Struggle to Rebuild

Coptic Women and Girls Facing Unprecedented Levels of Danger and Persecution

Women are the Battleground of the Uyghur Genocide

Christian Dalit Women in India: What You Need to Know

Women in FoRB: Fundraising Challenges and Skills

Multi-Faith Peacebuilding and Me

Accelerating Women in FoRB

Tears of Gold: Portraits of Yazidi, Rohingya, and Nigerian Women

Iran’s New Hijab Law Further Restricts Religious Freedom for Women

Ahmadi Muslim Women: In Struggle and Serenity

FoRB for everyone: Women in Focus – Reflections and Lessons Learned

The Women of Artsakh Today

Artsakh Women Demand a Safe Future for their Families and Community

Istanbul Ground Zero: Turkish Women’s Intersectional Sisterhood

Freedom of Thought, Conscience and Religion/Belief – Connecting to the Common Good

Faith and Peace: Gender Inclusion in Nigeria

Amplify Your NGO’s Purpose and Impact

The Destiny of Women: #OurStoryIsOne

Temporary Marriage is Never Good for Women

Blasphemy: Cries for Help in Nigeria

‘Why Should We Have to Leave Afghanistan?’ — An Exploration of Women’s Rights Under Taliban Rule

Women at the Table are Key to Accelerate FoRB Capacity

When Faith Spurs Violence: The Dangerous Dogma of Religious Uniformity

A Love Letter to Women in FoRB

Is War the Only Way Some Women Can Win Their Rights?

There is Nothing Moral about the Moral Police

Advocacy: Ten Best Practices to Advance Women and FoRB

In Jeopardy for Life: The Plight of Religious Minority Women and Girls in Pakistan

Invisible Violence: Religious Persecution and Gender

#MahsaAmini

7 Steps for Effective FoRB Advocacy with Government

Women As Change Agents and Peace Builders in Nigeria

Clear and Present Danger for Muslim Women in India

Women Need Greater Freedom of Religion or Belief

Genocide’s Lingering Tragedy: The 8th Anniversary of Yazidi Sorrow

Stories That Have Stuck With Me

Do Buddhist Nuns Deserve Better?

Deborah Yakubu: Know Her Name

Pakistan’s Hindu, Christian Girls at Risk of Forced Conversions

Other Articles