Blog/Empowering women in leadership

Empowering women in leadership

Empowering women in leadership

Yesterday, I attended a session of the CCI Worldwide Global Leadership Program focused on Women in Outdoor Ministry, and it served as a profound reminder of the differences in leadership approaches across the globe. I found it particularly interesting to hear Rachel Botting share insights from her research.

In Norway, fathers actively engage in parenting, with paternal leave being common and many dads spending quality time with their children. Women here often choose roles that require quite some physical strength and assert their independence, even participating as priests in Christmas services broadcasted on national TV. In contrast, my home country embraces a more conservative approach to gender roles.

Throughout my journey in ministry, I’ve been blessed by the unwavering support of my husband and relatives, which has enabled me to continue my ministry while raising young children. My kids began attending camps when they were less than a year old, and I’ve always found joy in being part of camp ministry.

So, how can we help women in leadership develop and thrive at different stages in life? This is still something I am contemplating. One key takeaway from the session was the realization that women often feel less comfortable advocating for themselves in leadership roles. Many need affirmation and a direct invitation to participate. This insight has significant implications for our association and camp ministry:

  • Encouragement is essential: We must foster a culture that actively invites women into leadership positions, providing the support they need to thrive.
  • Creating opportunities for moms: It’s crucial to develop flexible ministry roles that accommodate mothers with young children, allowing them to contribute their valuable talents.
  • Feedback matters: Regular feedback can help women recognize their strengths and encourage them to take on new challenges.

I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact of mothers participating in camps and our annual association conference. Let’s continue to create spaces where women can shine and utilize the God-given gifts they possess!

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