Africa is one of the continents that has long been known to be very patriarchal. The Programme for Christian-Muslin Relations in Africa (PROCMURA) strongly advocates rewriting this narrative and full adoption of Aspiration 6 of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which calls for “an Africa, whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially its women and youth, and caring for children”.

For a long time, PROCMURA has been championing the embracing of women into leadership in many spheres, including the church and matters of Christian-Muslim Relations, and their great contributions to development and peacebuilding across the continent and beyond. Apart from calling on the inclusion of women in realizing the continent's full potential as a peace haven where people live together peaceably irrespective of their religion, PROCMURA has been equipping women with skills, tools and knowledge to make more positive contributions to society.

More recently, PROCMURA convened a two-day Christian Women’s Workshop in Kenya’s coastal city of Mombasa themed “Christian-Muslim Relations and Women Leadership”. The workshop, anchored on PROCMURA’s Women and Girl Child Empowerment programme, provided a platform for women drawn from various church denominations in the coastal region of Kenya and a number from other countries in Africa to engage in fruitful conversations and learning, leading to a number of resolutions and commitments.

_{The women pose for a group photo after the workshop.} 

Participants explored the "Potential of Women in Propelling Sustainable Development in Africa," recognizing their immense contribution to their communities' economic growth, education, and social progress. They also delved into the complexities of "Parenting in the 21st Century," sharing lived experiences and strategies for raising children in a rapidly changing world.

The women leaders also held open and honest conversations on "Women's Issues in Interfaith Marriage," navigating the unique challenges and opportunities that arise when faiths intersect within families in the context of marriage. This particular session was fashioned to equip participants with tools and knowledge to navigate interfaith relationships with love, understanding, and respect for one’s choice of religion.

“We are very keen to work closely with PROCMURA in this area. We want to empower our women on issues around Christian-Muslim Relations right from the grassroots,” said Rev. Mrs. Martha Mwaro, the President of the Women League in the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Diocese of Mombasa.

_{Rev. Mrs. Martha Mwaro (left) with other participants.} 

Interfaith marriages pose unique challenges, and the workshop provided a safe space for the women to discuss their experiences and share possible solutions posed by this type of marriage. A resolution from the workshop called on PROCMURA to consider having “Interfaith Marriages” as one of its thematic areas in the next Strategic Plan 2025 -2029.

Beyond personal spheres, the workshop also saw several commitments made on the issue of women's strategic role in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. Participants explored how women can be catalysts for peace in their communities, drawing on their potential, empathy, dialoguing skills and reconciliation capacity. Case studies were shared from PROCMURA’s constituencies across Africa, illustrating successful women-led peacebuilding initiatives and cases where women have made significant contributions to fruitful peacebuilding processes, fostering understanding and promoting peaceful coexistence.

The workshop also delved into the challenges and opportunities for women in church leadership. Discussions focused on breaking barriers and stereotypes that hinder women's full participation and potential in church governance and ministry. Participants shared success stories and strategies for advocating for the inclusion and recognition of women’s contributions, highlighting their profound impact on the church's growth and vibrancy in Africa.

“These great women agreed to carry on with their efforts and contribution to the growth of the church, showcasing how women’s active involvement in church activities, leadership roles, and community outreach has significantly strengthened the church’s presence and influence across the continent,” noted Rev Ini Ukpuho from Nigeria, who was the only man in the house.

The workshop, held at the Milele Beach Hotel, concluded with the women developing action plans to disseminate the knowledge and skills acquired to other women in their respective churches and communities. The women also committed to sharing their insights and strategies with their respective communities, ensuring that the workshop's impact would be far-reaching.