Faith leaders as advocates for social justice

Faith leaders under the umbrella of EPN member Eglise du Christ au Congo (ECC) Département des Œuvres Médicales (ECC DOM) in Bukavu, DRC, are stepping up as powerful advocates for social justice.

From 12th -14th August 2024, at the at ECC DOM training center, EPN in collaboration with ECC DOM facilitated a specialized training on policy and advocacy. It was aimed to equip the faith leaders with the knowledge and tools to influence public policy, ensuring that the values and needs of their communities were reflected in the decisions that would shape their lives. The training was led by EPN’s Policy Advocacy Advisor, Rev. Jane Ng’ang’a.

Through this initiative, faith leaders capacities where strengthened to engage in health policy and other determinants of health advocacy issues, and in addition, an advocacy plan for ECC-DOM was developed. This training also led to building of crucial partnerships with civil society and policymakers and would be essential for creating sustainable solutions to the challenges facing Bukavu region of DRC and beyond.

As these leaders bring their moral authority into the policy-making process, they will continue driving meaningful change that benefits their communities and sets an example for others to follow.