Working for justice and dignity
in the Church and community
The Gender Desk of the Diocese of False Bay is part of the wider Anglican Church of Southern Africa's commitment to gender justice. It operates under the Diocese's safeguarding and social development mandate, working in partnership with Hope Africa and the Anglican Women's Network.
At its heart, the Gender Desk exists because gender inequality causes harm — harm to women and girls who bear the heaviest burden, but also harm to men and boys shaped by destructive patterns of masculinity, and harm to the whole community when any of its members are diminished.
The Church has sometimes been part of the problem — through harmful theology, institutional silence, and structures that concentrate power in the hands of a few. The Gender Desk is committed to naming this honestly and working for genuine transformation — not merely in programmes but in the culture and theology of the Church itself.
This work is not women's work alone. It requires the commitment and active participation of men, clergy, lay leaders, and the whole community of faith.
"Ministry to women is not a special concern — it is simply what justice looks like when the Church is faithful to the Gospel."
— Diocese of False Bay Gender DeskWhat the Gender Desk does
Six interconnected areas of work — from direct support to systemic advocacy and theological formation.
A church where everyone belongs
Gender justice is not about elevating some at the expense of others. It is about restoring the wholeness that God intends for all people made in the divine image.
Women & Girls
Women and girls bear a disproportionate burden of gender-based inequality — in the church, the home, and society. The Gender Desk exists first and foremost because their safety, dignity, and flourishing matter to God and must matter to us.
Our work with women includes:
- Leadership development and mentoring at every level
- Safe spaces for survivors of violence and trauma
- Theological education affirming women's full humanity
- Support for women discerning ordained ministry
- Economic empowerment and skills programmes
- Challenge to "purity" teaching that places blame on women
Men & Boys
Gender justice is not a women's issue — it is a human issue. Harmful patterns of masculinity damage men too: they narrow what it means to be a man, cut men off from community and emotional honesty, and fuel violence that destroys families and communities.
Our work with men includes:
- Facilitated groups on Gospel-shaped masculinity
- Accountability structures for men who have caused harm
- Engagement with fathers and sons around healthy relationships
- Training for clergy on pastoral support for male survivors
- Men as active allies and advocates for gender equality
- Challenging the culture of silence around men's vulnerability
16 Days of Activism Against
Gender-Based Violence
Every year from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day), the Diocese joins the global 16 Days campaign. Parish resources — including liturgies, sermon outlines, and community action guides — are available each year from the Gender Desk.
– 10 Dec
Scripture, re-read
with integrity
The Gender Desk holds that the Gospel is good news for women — and that readings which diminish, silence, or harm women are readings that need to be challenged, not defended.
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.
Luke 4:18Getting help and
finding support
Whether you are experiencing harm, supporting someone who is, or looking for resources for your parish — the Gender Desk and its partners are here for you.
If you are in immediate danger, please call the South African Police Service (SAPS) on 10111, the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre on 0800 428 428 (toll-free, 24 hours), or go to your nearest place of safety. The Church stands with you.