The International Women’s Network (IWN) of the Evangelical Mission in Solidarity (EMS) met in Cape Town, South Africa, from 20 to 23 October 2026 for a gathering marked by deep reflection, strategic planning, and a renewed commitment to justice and gender equality. Hosted by the Moravian Church in South Africa (MCSA), the meeting brought together women leaders from EMS member churches across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. 

Discussions centred on two key priorities: strengthening representation from all EMS member churches and mission associations within the networkand developing collective responses to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in diverse local contexts. 

“The intensive discussions and storytelling of the past week were both illuminating and empowering,” said Rev. Eleanor McCormick, Head of Department Programmes and Networks at EMS. “The meeting brought our network closer together while expanding our vision of what is possible when we choose to support one another.” 

Participants reflected on the future direction of the network and its contribution within EMS and beyond. A central question guided the conversations: What difference do we want our existence to make in EMS and in the wider world by 2031? 

Particular attention was given to intergenerational leadership and the importance of nurturing future leaders. Rev. Dr. Lidya Tandirerung of the Regional Forum of Indonesian Member Churches emphasized the need for continuity within the network: “Together with the IWN, I share a vision of sustaining this global movement and passing the torch from one generation to the next.” 

Learning from Local Realities 

The gathering opened with a visit to the Thuthuzela Centre at Bremer Hospital in Cape Town. The centre, whose name means “comfort” in isiXhosa, provides comprehensive support for survivors of rape and sexual violence, including children. 

Through in-depth conversations with doctors, nurses, and counsellors, participants gained a deeper understanding of the realities of gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa. The visit highlighted both the scale of the crisis and the vital importance of survivor-centred care. 

“Dr. Genine Josias and her team serve with remarkable dedication and compassion, working to ensure that survivors are not retraumatized by the health-care system or by interactions with law enforcement,” said Buyiswa Sambane of MCSA. 

Building on these insights, participants shared experiences from their own church contexts and identified common challenges in addressing gender-based violence and promoting gender justice across the EMS fellowship. 

Building Bridges Across Contexts 

While participants came from diverse cultural and social settings, they emphasized the shared concerns and aspirations that unite women across the global church. 

“This gathering challenged us to consider who we want to become and the impact we want to have,” said Anda Nkosi of MCSA. “It reaffirmed our role as bridge-builders, connecting women across our global fellowship, amplifying their voices, and transforming solidarity into meaningful action.” 

Alongside its working sessions, the meeting also provided space for worship, music, storytelling, and celebration. A special highlight was the recognition of Rev. Rebecca Abladey of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana for her twenty years of commitment to the International Women’s Network, a journey that began with the network’s gathering in Germany in 2006. 

Looking Ahead 

As a direct outcome of the Cape Town meeting, the International Women’s Network will prepare a set of recommendations for presentation to the EMS General Meeting in November. 

About the International Women’s Network 

The EMS International Women’s Network currently comprises eight active representatives from EMS member churches: 

- Nonhlanhla Anda Nkosi (Moravian Church in South Africa)
- Rev. Rebecca F. A. Abladey (Presbyterian Church of Ghana) 
- Dr. J. Jasmine Alley (Church of South India) 
- Buyiswa M. Sambane (Moravian Church in South Africa)
- Rev. Dr. Lidya K. Tandirerung (Regional Forum of Indonesian Member Churches) 
- Shoko Yamagami (United Church of Christ in Japan) 
- C. D. Bharathi Isaac (Church of South India) 
- Rev. Dr. Rima Nasrallah (National Evangelical Church of Beirut, Lebanon)