Why is it that Christians make 80% of the Kenya population, yet cases of gender based violence are extremely rampant with studies showing that 4 in every 10 women experience physical or sexual violence in their lives??
Why is violence against women rising all over the world and across Africa?
We cannot assume that we have forgotten the case of a sensational Nigerian gospel singer Osinachi Nkechukwu who died in April 2022 from what was later revealed to be injuries accumulated from domestic violence incidents perpetrated by her husband.
Mind you, she was a worship leader in a very popular church and her husband a prominent person in that church. Yet, Osinachi suffered all the while in silence, her tears and pain concealed in worship, her spiritual being however strengthened by faith and prayer, her body eventually gave in.
Osinachi, amid countless warnings by her friends and relatives to walk out of that marriage, she could not do it. Reason being, divorce is a sin.
It is the high time we act to strike a balance between spiritual wellness and physical welfare of our women in church. Do not journey too much in the spirit and neglect your body and vice versa.
At its inception particularly in Africa, the church keenly addressed the issue of gender based violence especially by denouncing the barbaric cultural practices and beliefs that oppressed women.
However, the modern church has turned into a den where perpetrators hide in the name of ‘men of god’ and ‘pastors’. We have in the recent past heard of countless sex scandals involving married pastors and preachers. Have you ever thought about the fate of their wives?
Rev. Eva CW, the founder of WOLAP organization observes that, “The church today is being run by motivational speakers who ignorantly encourage Gender Based violence by misinterpreting the scripture when giving counsel on the role of a woman in the society and particularly in church, in leadership and in marriage.”
Woman Of Love And Prayer (WOLAP) is a christian founded organization operating under SHARE THE LOVE CENTER, a church in Kenol, Muranga county.
The organization boasts of over 3000 women from Kenya and outside Kenya who meet daily on zoom online for midnight prayers and sharing. Soon, the organization is set to open offices in south AFRICA, SOUTH SUDAN, USA, UK and CANADA .
The Overarching goal of WOLAP organization is to help women rediscover themselves, and their abilities, build their capacities and view themselves as strong and equally important beings able to equally contribute to societal development.
In a world where the voices of women often go unheard, Women of Love and Prayer (WOLAP) stands as a beacon of empowerment and solidarity. Founded on Christian principles, WOLAP is dedicated to nurturing women in five (5) vital areas of development, with a mission to see them flourish and thrive in all aspects of their lives.
1. Empowering Women in the Marketplace:
At the core of WOLAP’s mission is the belief in the economic empowerment of women. Through comprehensive entrepreneurship skills training, WOLAP ensures that women are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to succeed in the marketplace. By incubating business ideas and funding business start-ups, they help cultivate a culture of investment and financial independence. WOLAP empowers women to break barriers and achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.
2. Empowering Women in Ministry:
WOLAP recognizes the invaluable contributions of women in the church community, whether as ushers, pastors, or wives of pastors. However, many face silent struggles, including gender-based and domestic violence. Through rights advocacy, education and empowerment initiatives, WOLAP empowers women to take senior roles in the church ministry and to stand against these injustices, fostering a supportive environment where they can fulfill their spiritual callings without fear or stigma.
3. Empowering Women in Marriage:
Marriage is a sacred institution, and WOLAP is committed to empowering both married and unmarried women in navigating this journey. Through education and support, WOLAP equips women with the tools to build healthy and fulfilling relationships grounded in Christian principles, fostering love, respect, and mutual understanding.
This area majorly focuses on transforming women into Godly wives. Whether married or unmarried, the women are taken through a series of teachings that help them understand their roles and rights in marriage and ultimately `stand as the prospective wives for any upright eligible man.
4. Empowering Women in Parenting:
The scripture says in proverbs 22:6 ‘Train up a child in the way he should go: And when he is old, he will not depart from it.’
As mothers and caregivers, women play a crucial role in shaping the next generation. WOLAP encourages good parenting practices rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. By providing guidance and support, WOLAP empowers women to raise children with love, compassion, and a strong moral foundation, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.
5. Empowering Women in Leadership:
WOLAP GALA
Every year, the organization conducts a glamorous gala dinner to celebrate their annual milestones achieved in each of their 5 pillars.
The event attracts hundreds of women and partners from all over the world who come to exhibit their different business ventures and diverse products and services on a platform heavily focussed by media stations and thousands of audiences.
This year’s event will be held in Mombasa from 18-20th April. Here over 300 women will converge at the coast for breathtaking team building activities, prayers, professional networking, educational workshops and fun filled activities at Voyager beach resort.
WOLAP SACCO
In addition to its multifaceted empowerment programs, WOLAP operates a Savings and Credit Cooperative (SACCO), aptly named WOLAP SACCO. This financial institution is dedicated to helping women cultivate a culture of saving and financial growth.Through easy loans and access to financial resources and services, WOLAP SACCO empowers women to take control of their financial futures and achieve economic independence.
In essence, Women of Love and Prayer (WOLAP) is not just an organization; it is a movement—a movement dedicated to empowering women, transforming lives, and building a more just and equitable society. Through love, prayer, and unwavering support, WOLAP is lighting the way for women to rise, thrive, and shine brightly in every sphere of life.