Across Africa, women remain underrepresented in many leadership roles despite their essential role in community life. For instance, in numerous places of worship, women are still a minority in decision-making leadership positions. As of early 2025, verified data show that women’s representation in both elected local bodies and appointed local positions varies widely, but in many places it remains low, limiting women’s influence on services and policies that affect families and communities.

The gap is even wider at local and sector levels, where women often carry heavy responsibilities yet lack decision-making power.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, women face structural imbalances that further reduce the number of women able to assume leadership roles in various spheres, including in the church. It is against this backdrop that PROCMURA launched a campaign, under the umbrella of the Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) programme, to not only empower women to realise their full potential in leadership within the Church and the community but also to raise awareness of the importance and necessity of embracing women's leadership in society.

Recently, PROCMURA held a vibrant and inspiring celebration in Mombasa and Kilifi counties, the coastal region of Kenya, to honour the remarkable women who continue to shape leadership within their communities, places of worship, and society at large. The event, hosted at St Paul Rabai ACK grounds courtesy of the longstanding partnership between PROCMURA and the ACK Diocese of Mombasa, brought together a diverse gathering of religious leaders from Christian, Muslim, and African traditional faith communities, government officials, media representatives, and local stakeholders.

The celebration was graced by PROCMURA’s General Adviser, Bishop (Dr.) Nathan Samwini from Ghana, who delivered a compelling call to action on the need to champion inclusive leadership. He emphasised that building strong communities requires the full participation of women. “Our societies cannot progress when half of the population is held back. Faith should empower, not restrict. We must open spaces where women can lead with confidence and dignity,” Bishop Dr. Samwini said.

PROCMURA has, for decades and more recently through our FoRB programme, worked to challenge these barriers by empowering women and sensitising communities on the value of inclusive leadership. Across the continent, PROCMURA has worked with local communities to recognise that women are central to development and social cohesion and, therefore, there is a need to recognise their place in leadership as well.

In her opening remarks, the Team Leader of PROCMURA Ms. Joy Wandabwa, reiterated the fact that the celebration reflected PROCMURA's long-standing commitment to transforming harmful attitudes and practices that continue to impede women's leadership, especially in the Church, promoting gender equality, and creating environments where women can grow and lead with confidence.

Various stakeholders shared insightful messages that echoed the need to elevate women in leadership. Rev. Dr. Evans Mwangi, one of the PROCMURA's FoRB Coordinators in the region and a clergy with the ACK Diocese of Mombasa, noted, “Women have always stood at the heart of our communities. When we deny them leadership space, we weaken the very foundation of our faith and society. Today’s celebration reminds us that leadership is a calling for all, not a privilege for a few.”

A representative of the Kaya community, an African traditional religion, also shared, “Our traditions recognise women as custodians of wisdom. Empowering women is not foreign to African culture. It is a return to our roots where leadership was shared, respected, and balanced.”

On behalf of the various government representatives present, the Area Chief remarked, “We cannot achieve the development we seek if women remain on the margins. The government values partners like PROCMURA who work tirelessly to ensure that women, especially at the grassroots, have the opportunity to lead and influence positive change.”

During the ceremony, PROCMURA honoured several women from Mombasa and Kilifi counties whose leadership has had a positive influence on their communities. Their recognition affirmed PROCMURA’s belief that when women lead, communities thrive.

The organisation reiterated the need for religious institutions, community leaders, and local governments to create safe, supportive, and equitable spaces where women can serve effectively.

As PROCMURA continues its mission across Africa, this celebration stands as a reminder that the journey toward inclusive leadership must continue. With collaboration across faiths and sectors, and with women’s voices respected and elevated, communities will remain peaceful, progressive, and resilient.