Women, Faith, and Global Action

Description

In this presentation, Esther Sutter, President of the International Association of Liberal Religious Women (IALRW), provides a comprehensive overview of the organization's 115-year history and its recent 2024 conference in Sarawak, Malaysia. Centered on the theme "The Power of Dialogue and Partnership," the conference highlighted successful interfaith collaboration among Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Taoist, and indigenous communities. Sutter details key discussions on pressing global issues, including the intersection of indigenous spirituality and climate action, peacebuilding, and the role of education in advancing women's rights. The talk culminates in the presentation of the "Sarawak Declaration," a commitment to fostering justice and environmental stewardship, and connects these grassroots efforts to the IALRW’s ongoing advocacy work at the United Nations, particularly within the Commission on the Status of Women.