MANILA, Philippines — Dss. Jaziel Naomi C. Reyes, Director of the Gender and Development (GAD) Office of Wesleyan University-Philippines (WUP), participated in the Ecumenical Women’s Action Against Violence: Southeast Asia Consultation, hosted by the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA), held on October 14–16, 2026, in Manila, Philippines. The consultation carried the theme, “Strengthening Ecumenical Action for Women’s Dignity and Rights.”
Her participation was made possible through the recommendation and assistance of the Board of Women’s Work of the United Methodist Church.
Dss. Reyes served as moderator of Session 2: “Women in Southeast Asia: Context, Challenges, and Persistent Gaps,” on October 14. The session examined the continuing challenges faced by women across the region and the gaps that hinder progress toward gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The three-day consultation featured discussions and activities on women’s dignity and rights, women’s leadership in the church, and the experiences of women across churches and communities in Southeast Asia. Participants also explored church-based advocacy initiatives and strategies for addressing violence and advancing women’s rights.
Dss. Reyes’s participation reflects the GAD Office’s engagement in ecumenical conversations and collaborative efforts to promote gender equality and protect women’s rights. The experience also reinforces the importance of connecting faith-based advocacy with institutional initiatives that foster inclusive, respectful, and gender-responsive communities.
Through such engagements, WUP continues to recognize the value of collaboration among educational institutions, churches, and advocacy groups in advancing dignity, justice, and equality for women.
Article by Dss. Jaziel Naomi C. Reyes
Photo Courtesy of Dss. Jaziel Naomi C. Reyes
