On this episode, Rev. Dr. Pauline Wanjiru challenges faith leaders to speak to the changing contexts of the world; to evangelize while trusting their members and congregations to make their own informed choices; and to involve young people in all matters that affect their lives. We ask: what is causing the rollback on gender gains? Rev. Dr. Wanjiru identifies the disconnect between the church and its congregation and encourages progressive approaches that faith leaders should adopt to tackle gender injustices.  

Rev. Dr. Pauline Wanjiru is a scholar and theologian who has played a critical role in ensuring resilience within faith communities on HIV/AIDS matters. She promotes the uptake of sexual and reproductive health rights and once lost her job after speaking up for an SGBV survivor. She is an Anglican priest celebrating 30 years of ordination. She currently serves at the World Council of Churches as the Eastern Africa Regional Coordinator for the Churches’ Commission for Health and Healing Progamme. 

This is Part 1 of a 2-Part episode. Stay tuned for Part 2, which focuses on divorce in the church. 

Continue following our series as we explore the link between religious norms and SGBV in Kenya. 

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