Religion and Women: An Agenda for Change

This statement calls for a commitment from religions to the rights of women. The report concludes that religions can contribute to women’s efforts for equality. While it recognizes religions' reinforcement of issues regarding gender inequality in some cases, it calls on the positive power of religions to make women’s rights a priority. It particularly addresses the increased challenges for women and children evolving from globalization including human trafficking, displacement, inadequate education, HIV/AIDS, increased gender-based violence and labor exploitation. The statement was made as part of the Women, Globalization, and Religion Conference held in Chiang Mai, Thailand in February-March 2004 organized by the International Committee for the Peace Council.