For far too long, the conversation surrounding Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in Africa has overlooked a crucial demographic - women. Much as they have been mainly on the receiving end of FoRB violations, women’s potential as influential advocates of religious freedom for all has been largely untapped. However, a recent two-day workshop hosted by the Programme for Christian-Muslim Relations in Africa (PROCMURA) in Mombasa, Kenya, aimed to rewrite this narrative. This wasn't just a workshop but a springboard for action, bringing together FoRB Trainers, a diverse group of actors and organizations in the space of protecting and promoting FoRB in Africa with a shared mission of empowering women against FoRB violations and as champions of FoRB in Africa.

Rev. Ukoha Ngwobia, one of PROCMURA's FoRB Trainers from Nigeria, and Ms. Laydia Sawadogo from Burkina Faso. 

The insightful two-day workshop focusing on “Enhancing Local Change-Makers in Promoting Freedom of Religion or Religious Belief and Respect for FoRB Women in Sub-Sahara Africa” is a perfect example of these workshops. This interactive workshop marked a significant shift in the conversation. It challenged a common perception that, more often than not, regards women as victims or potential victims of FoRB violations only. On the contrary, as participants in this workshop would agree, women are powerful agents of change as far as FoRB is concerned.

Dr. Sammy Mang’eli, a seasoned FoRB Trainer, opened the workshop with a well-researched, well-grounded presentation on ‘Freedom of religion or belief and Human Rights’. The presentation emphasized the right everyone has to choose, confess, or practice their religion or belief of choice, void of any kind of discrimination. Mr. Mang’eli further led the participants in highlighting the things that impede one's exercise of this basic human right in their own context, given that FoRB violations differ from place to place.

_{Dr. Sammy Mang’eli preparing to make his presentation during the workshop.} 

The workshop brought together diverse participants, including FoRB Trainers and Members of the Sub-Sahara FoRB Network, powered by PROCMURA, Stefanus Alliance International (SAI), religious leaders, women's rights advocates, and representatives from African civil society organisations interested in promoting FoRB in Africa. The workshop marked a shared commitment to promoting FoRB and ensuring its full realization for women.

_{A delegation from Ghana led by PROCMURA's FoRB Coordinator in Africa Dr. Haruna Zagoon-Zayeed (second right).} 

Vija Herefoss, a representative from SAI, delved deeper into the correlation between FoRB and gender in her presentation, ‘Freedom of Religion or Belief and Women’s Rights’. Apart from spotlighting some of the most frequent FoRb vilations meted on women, the session also played an important role in coming up with resolutions and solutions to address these violations.

_{Vija Herefoss from Stefanus Alliance International (SAI) emphasizing a point  during her presentation.} 

One of the key takeaways from the workshop was the reframing of the narrative around FoRB and women in Africa. Traditionally, the focus has often been on women as vulnerable groups susceptible to FoRB violations. While acknowledging this reality, the workshop participants emphasized the immense soft power African women wield within their families and communities. This "soft power" comes from their roles as mothers, educators, and spiritual leaders, making them well-positioned to champion FoRB principles and change of behaviours and attitudes towards women as far as FoRB is concerned.

In a post-workshop interview with the PROCMURA Media Centre, Judith Kunyiha, a renowned FoRB Trainer, said, "The workshop underscored the crucial role women play within African families. They wield a powerful influence, and equipping them with the knowledge and tools to advocate for FoRB can have such a ripple effect throughout communities that we all desire to see in our continent."

Ms. Kunyiha delivered a presentation on ‘Freedom of Religion or Belief and Gender Dynamics’ during the workshop.

_{Ms. Judith Kunyiha (left) with the French interpreter Lydia Sawadogo from Burkina Faso.}

The workshop provided a platform for attendees to share experiences, discuss challenges, and brainstorm strategies for promoting FoRB for women in a session facilitated by Dr. Haruna Zagoon-Zayeed, PROCMURA’s FoRB Coordinator in Africa and a Senior Muslim cleric in Ghana, in a session titled “Sharing of experiences and opinions on promoting FORB for Women in Africa”. The interactive session explored topics such as:

• Gender-based FoRB violations: Participants identified specific challenges faced by women, such as restrictions on religious attire or participation in religious rituals.
• Empowering women as faith leaders: Discussions focused on ways to encourage and support women in taking on leadership roles within their religious communities.
• Utilizing women's networks for FoRB advocacy: Participants explored how to leverage existing women's networks within their respective communities to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding.

_{Rev. Ukoha Ngwobia, one of PROCMURA's FoRB Trainers from Nigeria, in one of the sessions.} 

Beyond individual presentations, the workshop was a space for collaborative brainstorming. Participants identified actionable steps for promoting FoRB for women in Africa as guided by Dola Oluoch – PROCMURA’s Project Officer. This included:

_{Mr. Nicholus Dola guiding the session.} 

• Developing training programs specifically designed to equip women with the knowledge and skills to advocate for their FoRB rights.
• Creating safe spaces where women from different faiths can come together to discuss FoRB issues and build trust and synergies in addressing FoRB related issues they might be facing.
• Engaging men and boys in FoRB initiatives to foster a culture of respect for women's religious freedom.

"One of the most powerful aspects of the workshop was the sense of community and shared purpose. We left feeling empowered and equipped to not only advocate for our own rights as women in relation to FoRB but also champion FoRB for all in Africa," Ms. Hidaya Maulidi Dude, a Programme Assistant working with the Norwegian Church Aid in Tanzania, observed in a post-workshop interview.

_{Ms. Hidaya Maulidi Dude speaking with the PROCMURA Media Centre after the workshop.} 

The FoRB workshop that took place during the PROCMURA's 18th General Council symbolised the PROCMURA's commitment to a more inclusive approach to protecting and promoting FoRB, particularly for women, in Africa. By empowering women and recognizing their unique role as champions of FoRB, PROCMURA is paving the way for a future where all Africans, regardless of gender or faith, can freely practice and publicly confess their religions or beliefs without any fear of discrimination. The workshop's outcomes will undoubtedly inform future initiatives to empower women in order for them to make even more contribution towards building a more peaceful and inclusive Africa.