The understanding about women and children is still low for common people, and theological explanation is also limited. It is problematic because many problems occur in Christian-majority areas, as several times the cases of sexual violence against women and children in church work areas have become increasingly widespread this year. It must be a serious concern from church institutions and all elements in society to prevent cases of violence against women and children (KTPA) increasing in Alor Regency.
As a concern to this problem, the Multiplication of Stube HEMAT in Alor collaborated with the Theology Study Program of Tribuana University build a deep understanding for the students about violence against women and children. The inclusive discussion with the theme "Women and a Christian Perspective" (29/04/2023) was held at Kevinda Café – Mali.
Eunike Molebila, M.Th, a lecturer in Theology and head of the UNTRIB Quality Assurance Institute (LPM) is the guest speaker. In the opening, the activities of introduction, the students were directed to be able to recognize their potency through the meaning of the names given by their parents.
In a further presentation, Eunike shared an understanding of women and gender. The discussion became lively when students were allowed to define women and gender. Based on their understanding, the participants expressed their opinion, Eben said, "Women are patient and good advisers." Meanwhile, Semu said, "Women and men are the same, only sexual identity differentiates." Furthermore, as a basic understanding of violence against women and children, Eunike explained four things, such as sex, gender, gender standardization, and gender inequality.
According to the theme (Women and a Christian Perspective), the presentation discussed the role of women in the Bible. There are two different things in the Bible about it. There are female characters who are mentioned and not mentioned. In the genealogy of Jesus Christ, there is a woman mentioned, namely a prostitute, from whom David and Jesus were born. It can be seen here, there is a positive role and there are also female figures who are not mentioned. Speaking of women in Christianity, women used to take the role behind the pulpit, but we are grateful that the GMIT Synod (Evangelical Christian Church in Timor) has changed, women have been given equal opportunities. Women in the Christian tradition have progressed, but why certain churches have not given opportunities to women is still a question? They reasoned that women should be silent. Furthermore, the resource person allowed the participants to express their hopes as Christian men and women, written on a piece of paper and then attached to the wishing tree.
More detailed material regarding violence against women and children was conveyed by Therlince Loisa Mau, S.Pd, a female activist and disaster-resilient church facilitator. She explained that several things must be maintained, namely thoughts, words, and deeds. If these three things are not maintained properly, it will become a form of violence. Participants who have been divided into five groups explain the meaning of the words that have been distributed.
The first group got the word ‘physic’. According to the first group it relates to the body from head to toe, strong and weak. Strong, for example, a father commits physical violence to his child or wife. Weak, for example, women are deceived by sweet promises, immediately weak, and tempted. Relating to the physical, kick, hit, grab, pinch, reject, push. The second group with the word ‘psychologic’, and the following groups received words, such as Human Trafficking, Economic Violence, and Sexual Violence.
These words are closely related to the problems that occurred in Alor. At the end of the discussion, the resource person hoped that the participants who attended this activity would become living letters to remind each other about violence, when they found cases of violence that occurred in the community or those who experienced it, they could immediately report directly to the authorities. ***
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