International Social Justice Women’s Group: Applications now open!

International Social Justice Commission Director Lieut-Colonel Liz Gainsford invites women to join the International Social Justice Women’s Group.

In 2022, The Salvation Army established the International Social Justice Women’s Group, following the International Social Justice Girls group formed in 2021. The group brings together women from around the Army world as a grassroots voice on social justice issues that women deal with.

As membership applications open, Lieut-Colonel Liz Gainsford explains why people should apply:

What is the International Social Justice Women’s Group?

The group is a diverse global network of women of faith, aligned with the International Social Justice Commission, to amplify women’s voices, inform policy and practice, and advance justice through prayer, research, collaboration and engagement in international forums. The group is a space where women can have and develop the opportunity and confidence to speak up, as well as focus on things that particularly affect women. The group works on some key projects each year, for example in November they will produce a video around the UN’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Each year in March is the Commission on the Status of Women, held in New York, and some members of the group often host a panel about an issue.

How many people are in the group?

There are up to 30 members, and membership lasts two years, although that could be extended if someone is involved in a project.

What does being a member involve?

Members commit to attending online meetings once a month at 8am New York time. Members can share things that are happening locally in their territory, as well as issues that might be raised or responses made by the Army. We want members to be active advocates where they are as much as they can. Each member is endorsed by their territory yet are not an official nominated territorial representative. The members are there to represent their own experience of where they are and their community, rather than speak on behalf of the territory.

What issues do the group focus on?

The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, for example education and gender equity, but many priorities are what members bring to us as areas of concern. Violence against women, gender equity and education are key issues and, of course, modern slavery and human trafficking. A lot of these issues are interconnected.

Why does having global representation in the group matter?

These issues, although similar, are different across the world. What works in one place will not necessarily work in another. It’s also important to listen to a wide range of voices. We want to be a Salvation Army that is global, not just representing a few. We want every member to participate fully, and we try hard to make sure that the voices of anyone who might not be as confident to speak up in English are heard.

What’s the most exciting thing about the group?

It’s wonderful we have people who are passionate about social justice and want to gather, learn and be involved. I get excited when it makes a difference where they are. For example, in the Netherlands some members have joined with members of the girls group to create a group in their territory. They are holding workshops to train and educate people, which is exciting; they are making a difference!

What can people pray for the group?

Pray for the work of the group and the ISJC. You can see on the International Social Justic Commission website or on social media @salvationarmyisjc what’s going on and pray for it. Pray for the UN, for peacekeeping and justice. Pray also for the things you can do to be salt and light in your community. It doesn’t have to be big, it could be advocating to your local council. Wherever we are, we can all make a difference.