Inaugural Women in Leadership forum launched
“We are here to encourage, empower and celebrate women,” says Commissioner Jan Condon, at the opening of the inaugural Women in Leadership Forum on 28 October.
“There are so many women who need to be raised up for ministry opportunities that use their gifts and talents, and not just be slotted into roles because of their gender.”
Major Danielle Strickland - international speaker, author and social justice warrior - was guest speaker for the forum.
The forum opened with statistics showing that although more than half of all Salvation Army officers are women, only 7.9% of them are in decision making roles. From those in leadership positions, only 1.7% are married.
This trend is reflected in boardrooms across the country.
The Women in Leadership committee, who organised the Women in Leadership forum, aims to identify and address the systemic issues of gender equality in leadership positions, as well as promote and develop the skills and self-awareness required in those positions.
“This is part of a larger movement for global equality,” says Colonel Janet Munn, Territorial Secretary of Women’s Ministries.
Major Danielle focused on the strategy of thinking big, that God has a plan to redeem the entire world and that women’s equality is just a part of that.
“We are here to change the world and the earth is looking for redemption,” she says.
Major Danielle spoke on the secret to true freedom being about going deeper inside ourselves to the things that keep the world enslaved and being liberated from the inside out.
“It’s the daily decisions we make that will change the world and bring salvation to the earth.”
The afternoon sessions included self-awareness for effective leadership, leading from your “best self” and ways to achieve that and a lively panel discussion on “making your partner your partner”, with Major Danielle, Colonels Janet and Richard Munn, Sharon Callister and Nicola Poore.
Before dinner, delegates discussed and presented recommendations on leadership equality for The Salvation Army – what that could look like and how to achieve it.
Women from all over the territory attended the forum, as well as delegates from the Australia South and Papua New Guinea territories. Hundreds more watched Major Danielle’s presentation as it was live streamed.
Women in Leadership forums and workshops are planned for around the territory in the future.
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