Pacific women talk: Papua New Guinea
Husbands can encourage women to speak out and take more responsibility in the church, says Jessie Lowa of the United Church in Papua New Guinea.
The men always say the women are the backbone of the church. The women in Papua New Guinea are not afraid to stand up but when it's a big church assembly and the men are there they will always take the backstage.
I speak out at assembly. I think my education also has a lot to do with this. I am a high school teacher. I know how to express myself in a way that maybe other women can't. In a smaller meeting it's okay because we speak in Pidgin. But in church meetings we speak English.
Jessie LowaI would like women to talk out more. Women are vocal in communities. I think they would be encouraged to speak out if they saw others speaking out more. And the more we see women in leading roles – women who are a match to the men – the more women will be inspired and move forward.
In the United Church in Papua New Guinea there are 10 ordained women besides women ministers. We have 20 women pastors in training. Men can help women take on leading roles. They have to mentor their wives. For example my husband gives me room to find my potential. Not many wives of clergy drive. He taught me years ago.
When he's in a meeting he doesn't have to take me shopping because I can drive. He's taught me how to use a computer, and knowing that means I'm able to help him in his work. I'm also able to type things for the women's fellowship. But even on spirituality I think he's helped me a lot. I can lead Bible studies.
It's important for women to make their voices heard because men and women are equal in God's sight. It's good to work in collaboration for the betterment of the home and the church.