Pan African Women of Faith (PAW)
Pan African Women’s Ecumenical Empowerment Network (PAWEEN)

Pan African Women of Faith (PAW)  Pan African Women’s Ecumenical Empowerment Network (PAWEEN) seeks to serve as a platform of academic study, spiritual reflection and advocacy action with and for African women and  women of African descent in all regions of the world.

WE STAND FOR

  • Spirituality and Faith Engagement
  • Academic Study
  • Action with and for African Women and African Descent in all regions of the world

Why and How We MATTER  PAN AFRICAN WOMEN OF FAITH

Since the earliest Biblical accounts in Genesis, women of African descent have played a critical role in shaping the Judeo-Christian faith. From Biblical women such as Hagar and Zipporah to the modern ecumenical movement Pan African women have and continue to be a pivotal presence in the churches and their communities.

Therefore, PAW/PAWEEN aims to gather and make visible how the stories of Pan African women, too often neglected in ecumenical and church history, can positively inform and nurture female leadership capacity development now and in the future.

Why and How We MATTER 

PAN AFRICAN WOMEN OF FAITH

The Queen of Sheba was an African woman and Queen who sought true wisdom from God.  In the Bible, we are introduced to an unnamed queen from the land of Sheba who travels to Jerusalem to meet King Solomon.

Saint Monica, also known as Monica of Hippo, was an early Christian saint and the mother of St. Augustine of Hippo.  She is remembered and honored in most Christian denominations for her outstanding Christian virtues.

Mother Mathilda Taylor Beasley was known for operating a secret school for African-American children at a time when teaching slaves or free people of color to read was punishable by a fine and whipping. She became known as Georgia’s first African-American Nun.

Evangelist Amanda Berry Smith was a Methodist, holiness evangelist, missionary and the founder of the Amanda Smith Orphanage and Industrial Home for Abandoned and Destitute Colored Children. She was known for her preaching and singing at holiness camp meetings.

Prophetess Kimpa Vita dedicated her life to fighting all forms of slavery and reconciling Christianity with African religions and beliefs. She was one of the first African women to fight against European dominance in Africa during the colonial period.

Princess Laura Adorkor Kofi, popularly known as Mother Kofi or Mama Laura, was an activist and self-proclaimed prophet. Soon after moving to the U.S from Ghana, Laura became a close associate of Marcus Garvey.

Apostle Ezinne Ijeoma is the founder of Face of Joy International UK, an Interdenominational Ministry and Charity based in Woolwich, South East London, which works in the community to support the less privileged, homeless, elderly and young people.

Rev. Deolinda Dorcas Teca is currently the General Secretary for the All African Council of Churches and the Christian Churches Council of Angola. Her work includes organizing Christian churches in Angola to fight government corruption.

Mercy Amba Oduyoye, also known as the “Mother of African Women’s Theologies,” is a renowned theologian, educator, writer, mentor and poet. She has worked tirelessly to address issues of poverty, health care, youth empowerment, women’s rights, destructive cultural and religious practices and global unrest. 

Immaculée Ilibagiza is a Rwandan American author and motivational speaker.  Her first book,  “Left to Tell:  Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust,” is an autobiographical work detailing how she survived during the Rwandan genocide.

Kari Cooke currently serves as the Vice President at Communication Service for the Deaf, a multinational social impact organization. Over the years, she has become known as an organizer with the Black deaf community and has been able to expand her coalition-building impact and involvement with colleagues and coalitions.