Women of Worth’ (Dissenting Women) is a series of podcasts by Council for World Mission (CWM). This series is part of our efforts to challenge thought and instigate action – as well as starting conversations on issues and topics which beckon for attention and response. Produced by the CWM staff in the East and South Asia and Caribbean regions, this series features voices of women across the regions of CWM through interviews, conversations and presentations.

Four topics are covered in nine podcasts which focus on women whose actions have challenged the status quo of patriarchy in their societies. Each podcast features dissenting women in the Bible who acted in the face of patriarchy – systemic exclusion of women and the preferential favour of men particularly in leadership. The topics profile SMART women, using the stories of Esther and Rahab; SHAMED women using the stories of Tamar and the unnamed woman caught in the act of adultery; STRONG women, using the stories of Deborah and Rebekah; and SILENCED women, using the stories of Vashti and Hagar. The stories and voices from these women will provide opportunity to both explore and unpack topics such as gender-based violence, intimate partner abuse and incest.

SMART: The speakers in this category look at the Biblical characters of Esther and Rahab. The stories may be found in the book of Esther and Joshua 2. The key areas of focus are on how Esther strategized in the face of the threat against the Hebrews and Rahab’s action which saved her life and that of her family. They also offer words of encouragement to women who must act SMARTLY to challenge an unjust status quo of patriarchy.

Speakers

  • Mrs. Jewel Sinclair Torrington and Mrs. Suzette Edwards Brissett
  • Mrs. Karen Francis and Mrs. Vickeisha King Burke
  • Ms. Mariana Waqa




STRONG: The speakers use the example of two women who exercised their influence Deborah and Rebecca, (the mother of Jacob and Esau). Judges 4 and 5 give Deborah’s story and the focus on Rebecca’s influence on her younger son, Jacob, may be found in Genesis 27. The speakers in the podcasts look at the ways Deborah and Rebecca’s actions and circumstances challenge the status quo of patriarchy. They also offer women helpful tips on how to exercise their influence even in contexts of limitations in STRONG and positive ways. You will gain an understanding of how there are opportunities which may be seized or have been seized in contemporary life to utilize strengths to exercise influence for good and to go against the stereotypes of women as weak.

Speakers

  • Rev. Changwe Tembo and Rev. Chali Mfuta
  • Prof Rev. Bokyoung Park (East Asia region)


SHAMED: In these podcasts, the stories of Hagar (from Genesis 16) and Vashti (from Esther 1) are discussed. They were both victims of injustice in a patriarchal society. One experienced injustice at the hands of another woman, the other by her intimate partner. The speakers look at how SILENCED women can find and use their voice, how we can be alert to the perpetuation of injustice against women in our circles.

Speakers

  • Rev. Nicole Ashwood and Mrs. Vanessa Silvera
  • Mrs. Siera Bird


SILENCED: In these podcasts, the stories of Hagar (from Genesis 16) and Vashti (from Esther 1) are discussed. They were both victims of injustice in a patriarchal society. One experienced injustice at the hands of another woman, the other by her intimate partner. The speakers look at how SILENCED women can find and use their voice, how we can be alert to the perpetuation of injustice against women in our circles.

Speakers

  • Dr. Vedha Kani
  • Mrs. Karen Brusch (Europe region)