No.1, January - April 2002

Women and Men in Partnership

WSCF AP has been engaging in the process of women's struggles for a long time. The Regional Women's Programme was initiated to address the many issues faced by women that prompted many young women SCMers to grow steadily in their understanding of the patriarchal system and ideology that surround them, affecting their everyday life. While such understanding develops gender consciousness and justice for women, it also develops the sense of a need to go into a dialogue with men to address the patriarchal system and ideology. It will be a work of partnership between women and men as it was realized that it would be difficult for women to achieve a total sense of liberation from patriarchy if the men play no part or make no effort in addressing the oppressive forces that envelop both women and men. But, what is "Partnership" and how should we define it? Partnership could be defined as a joint effort by two or more parties to achieve a common goal and objective. And in this case, the common goal and objective is the elimination of the Patriarchal System and Ideology. However, to develop a genuine form of joint effort between women and men, it needs honesty, sincerity and the humble understanding and confession that we are all participants of the patriarchal system and ideology, and that we are the oppressors and reinforcers ourselves.

This issue of Praxis traces the previous developments of women and men in partnership of WSCF AP and outlines the struggles that accompany them. It also gives a refresher on the current momentum of this issue with various reflections on women and men in partnership by our Regional Women's Committee members as well as the participants of the programme, "From Gender Sensitivity to Genuine Partnership : the WSCF AP Journey".

At the end of the day, for the joint effort of women and men to work towards eliminating the patriarchal system and ideology, all of us need a firm and loud 'YES' from both women and men. We will then be on our way to attaining an encompassing and inclusive Christianity where there will be no barriers to freedom, peace, equality and humanity to be enjoyed by both women and men.

On behalf of WSCF AP, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many women and men of the Federation who have actively involved themselves in the process of laying the foundation for dialogues on women and men in partnership. This foundation has and will become the bridge to the future. These people range from previous regional staff, committee members, individuals and participants to programmes on women and men in partnership, to the present ones. A warm "thank you" to you all.

Wong Yock Leng
Regional Women's Coordinator