The Contribution of Spirituality to the Elimination of Violence Against Women (WFWP Spain)

Weritten by: Marcia de Abreu Rodrigues

On November 23, the WFWP Spain held a round table, in person, to celebrate the International Day of the United Nations for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This event was in line with SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

Ms. Marcia de Abreu, Regional Secretary General of WFWP Europe, was the moderator. A total of 23 people were present at the event. Three ladies from different cultural and spiritual backgrounds shared their views on “The Contribution of Spirituality to the Elimination of Violence Against Women.”

Susana Gutman, who comes from a Jewish background, explained the values defended in Judaism, one of them being displaying respect towards women. This value discourages violence against women and promotes respect towards women.

Felisa Elizondo, a Christian Theologian and a member of the Theologian Women Association in Spain and Europe, shared that throughout history, the combination of a patriarchal society with Christian virtues pushed women to try and lead what was considered to be a virtuous Christian life, with the sacrifice of love for oneself, engaging women in relationships that contemplated forgiveness, love, acceptance, submission, discretion, silence toward men. She expressed that women have to learn how to be upfront and speak aloud their minds, expressing clearly their feelings as well.

The third speaker, Mardía Herrero, from the Sufi tradition, explained the importance of seeing the dualities that exist in the world, like men and women, in a complementary way, as partners, as two parts of a whole. Ms. Herrero emphasized the need for seeing the other as someone different and necessary for your own development.