Participants in the gender justice and leadership education workshop at the Jeypore Evangelical Lutheran Church in India. Photo: JELC
LWF Theology, Gender Justice and Leadership Education program explores how to change attitudes
(LWI) - Conversations among young women and men in the Jeypore Evangelical Lutheran Church (JELC) in Odisha, India, have opened up reflections on what justice, equality, and dignity look like in their daily lives.
Inspired by The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Theology, Gender Justice, Education and Leadership (TGLE) program, youth leader Sourav Sampan Goudo recently shared his experience from a series of workshops that he organized for JELC youth in February. The events followed his participation in the first Asian region TGLE program held in Malaysia in 2025. Through online and in-person sessions, the program equipped attendees with leadership skills and encouraged them to initiate small contextual projects in their home churches and communities.
The concept of gender justice remains unfamiliar to many in India, noted Goudo, an active member of the LWF Youth network and a junior lecturer of English at a local university. He shared how deep-rooted social and cultural beliefs that prioritize men over women continue to influence unequal access to education, employment, and rights.
Although the women perform the same tasks as their male counterparts, they are yet to be elected to major leadership roles.
Sourav Sampan Goudo, Jeypore Evangelical Lutheran Church, India
Goudo explained why the TGLE topics are important for a church whose members mostly come from Dalit, tribal, and other marginalized communities. “There are 21 ordained women pastors in JELC. Although the women perform the same tasks as their male counterparts, they are yet to be elected to major leadership roles,” he said. Others are discouraged from pursuing higher education or employment opportunities despite their potential.
“One Body, Many Equals – Empowered for Justice” was the theme of the first of the three JELC workshops that Goudo led which drew 20 participants (12 women and 8 men), capturing a vision of collective empowerment and a shared commitment to equal rights for all. It focused on developing an inclusive approach to social justice, affirming that every person has the right to dignity and equal access to opportunities, participation, and protection.
“Gender justice was explained in clear and practical ways, helping young people identify gender norms within their families, churches, and communities as part of broader responsible theological endeavors,” he said. Participants also explored what is just and unjust and considered practical ways to foster shared responsibility and inclusion. Many expressed a commitment to practice gender justice in their places of study, at home, and at work, recognizing their role in shaping safer and more caring communities.
“I wanted to introduce young women and men to a basic understanding of gender justice within the context of church, family, and community life,” he emphasized.
The workshop participants were introduced to the LWF Gender Justice Policy. Photo: JELC
JELC youth leader Sourav Sampan Goudo distributing material for group discussions at the workshop. Photo: JELC
A group discussion on role reversal. Photo: JELC
Dialogue, role reversal and real-life stories
The workshop included interactive sessions on real-life case studies from church and community contexts and an exercise on role reversal. What would it look like if women took the front row at village council meetings and led discussions on policies and budgets? What if men were expected to demonstrate skills that are traditionally attributed to women? Youth also discussed how meeting schedules often exclude girls who cannot attend evening gatherings due to safety and social concerns.
Group reflection and open sharing created space for participants to acknowledge existing injustices and build awareness of equality and dignity. Practical tools related to climate justice and environmental concerns were also introduced and discussed.
Fostering caring communities
Frank discussions led to greater awareness of gender issues, changes in attitudes, and commitment to gender justice and equality. “Youth agreed to implement these ideas in their places of study, at home, and at work so that shared leadership and respect can foster safe and caring communities,” added Goudo.
The JELC workshop also provided space to learn about the LWF—its mission and ongoing work. Goudo distributed posters on gender justice, and youth committed to displaying them in workplaces, churches, and near their homes as visible reminders to practice justice in everyday life.
Commenting on the training, Rev. Dr Marcia Blasi, LWF Program Executive for Gender Justice and Women’s Empowerment, said, “Each context has its own challenges and opportunities. The Theology, Gender Justice and Leadership Education Program encourages participants to engage locally, to confront injustices and promote change, one step at a time.”
The TGLE program activities in Asia and Africa are funded under the Hélène Ralivao Fund, which the LWF established in 2021 to honor the legacy and gender justice commitment of the Malagasy Lutheran theologian after whom it is named.
