Ghana-United States: Muslim and Christian Women Meet in Accra for historic gathering

In September, in Accra, Muslim and Christian women from Ghana and the U.S. gathered for SISTERS in SOLIDARITY: Women of Faith Building Power for Peace, Development and Social Change. The conference provided a powerful opportunity for women leaders to build relationships and inspire one another.

As Rev. Dr. Joyce Aryee, Founder & President of the Salt and Light Ministries in Ghana, said, “Throughout Christian scripture, God’s major actions for humanity have been done with women.”

Hajia Fatima Baba Konney, a Regional Leader and Organizer from the Western Region of Ghana, emphasized that “Multifaith Women Leaders will take organizing to all women’s social and professional networks.”

Marguerite Leslie from Faith in New York and a second-generation Buddhist, said: “In my Buddhist practice, we say, ‘Dialogue opens the way.’ The women gathered in the room traveled not only miles and hours to get there but also reached across faith traditions, predominantly Muslim, Christian and Catholic, to learn from one another. Together, we discovered the challenges that we face as leaders, namely keeping people engaged and focused on the collective vision of liberation; and establishing, retaining and exercising organizing power in the face of violence and oppression. The Sisters in Solidarity conference created a space of healing, of storytelling, and of power for women in leadership to live into their purpose – achieving global liberation for all.”

Kaleemah Kennon Muttaqi, an organizer from the U.S. shared: “Last week’s gathering was a true embodiment of multifaith sisterhood. To be in a space that breathed such intentional life back into my spirit is a blessing I will always cherish. I imagine it to be a moment our ancestors prayed into fruition, and one that I pray future generations will build off.”

The event was organized by a team that included Rev. Dr. Cassandra Gould from Faith in Action, Rashida James-Saadiya, Muslim Power Building Project, Hajia Ayishetu Abdul-Kadiri, Chairperson of the Board of FAITH in Ghana Alliance, and Rev. Sr. Regina Ignatia Aflah of the Handmaids of the Divine Redeemer Religious Sisters.