"The patriarchy was never gone!"

A panel discussion on power, gender and society in transition

"The return of patriarchy? - Power, gender and society in transition" - this was the topic of Tuesday evening's discussion between Christian and Rebekka Brouwer, Superintendents of Hanover-Centre, Bertha Munkhondya, General Secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malawi and Hella Mahler, Chair of the Lower Saxony Women's Council.

Moderator Gabriele De Bona, ELM gender officer, thus brought several perspectives into dialogue: church and society, Germany and East Africa, older and younger generations.

"The patriarchy has never gone away," said Superintendent Brouwer, referring to the appointment of leaders in church and politics. And yet today there are spaces for more equality that were once fought for and are now underutilised by young people, adds Superintendent Brouwer. The two share the task of leadership and see this as a model for living equality.

And yet courageous women who stand up for justice or climate protection, for example, are once again - or still are - exposed to hatred and agitation. According to Hella Mahler, much more "He for She" is needed, i.e. men who actively and loudly fight for equal rights.

Bertha Munkhondya explained the extent to which girls and women in Malawi are disadvantaged, for example in terms of access to education, and also experience violence. As the first female pastor of the Lutheran Church, she is under particular pressure and has to deal with prejudice: "Don't expect others to fight for your rights, you have to do it yourself," said Munkhondya. - says Munkhondya.

Having and being role models is the link between Malawi and Germany, and the cautiously optimistic outlook at the end of the panel discussion. With a little patience, there will be further progress towards a fairer society in which life is better for everyone.