Asian Women gather to inspire resiliency during crisis

Women from forty-eight (48) member schools participated in the Web Conference for Women hosted by ATESEA on October 20-22, 2020. The webinar was organized primarily to reflect on the biblical and theological understanding on women in times of crisis; identify the recurring issues on women in the church, workplaces and communities some countries in Asia; and explain the women’s psychological and emotional challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first day began with a lecture from Dr. Dorcas Gordon, Interim Director of Toronto School of Theology and the current Chairperson of Foundation for Theological Education in the South East Asia (FTESEA). She discussed the Biblical and Theological Understanding on Women in Times of Crisis. She encouraged the women to have time for introspection and to reflect on the tools they can use “to find the courage to act” in their present ordeals. Following the lecture was a panel discussion on Asian Women in Times of Crisis with: Dr. Judy Berinai, Academic and Dean of Studies, Sabah Theological Seminary; Dr. Eh Tar Gay, Vice President, Myanmar Institute of Theology; and Dr. LidyaTandirerung, President, Theological Seminary of Eastern Indonesia. Each gave a presentation on how women in their respective countries cope with the current COVID-19 pandemic. They reported how the women made use of support groups, counseling, digital technology, and their various life skills for mutual empowerment in the church, school and communities. On the second day, Dr. Japhet Gensaya Fernandez de Leon, Philippine Medical Association Governor for Western Visayas and Past President, Philippine Psychiatric Association gave a talk on Women’s Psychological and Emotional Challenges in Times of Crisis. This clarified their understanding of mental health, its importance, and the practical measures of nurturing it. They realized the value of self-care as an inevitable factor in building resiliency in times of crisis. They were spurred to cultivate their personal creative skills, to maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise, to get involved in support groups, and to take time for reflection through prayer and the word of God. During the last day, Dr. Septemmy Lakawa, President of Jakarta Theological Seminary, demonstrated how she uses Oil Therapy in her class, as a practical, and organic way of relieving one’s mind from stress.

The participants developed new friendships as they exchanged common experiences during the pandemic in their group discussions. It was a time of significant learning and encouragement as each one affirmed the value of her sister. Their realizations inspired them to take on the responsibility to echo this timely wisdom in their school, church, and community, to be sensitive to those who are suffering. Furthermore, they have recognized the use of social media, personal presence, and support groups as inevitable tools to uplift those who are in crisis. Subsequently, they look forward to a series of webinar of this nature where womanhood is celebrated through the sharing of joys and pains; and empowered through learning fresh insights.