Faith to Action Network, a diverse platform of faith-based organizations advancing gender justice, family health and well-being, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) acknowledges the intent behind the Pan-African Conference on Family Values 2025, taking place in Kenya. While we support efforts to foster conversations around the role of faith in family life, we express serious concern over the composition of the speakers. The speakers are heavy from “North” and very light on “South” representation. The composition is also heavy on men and lacking on youth.
In Africa, the faith community has been forefront in promoting gender justice and SRHR both in form of advocacy and services. In doing so, the faith community in Africa has been navigating nuances that are culturally grounded while promoting inclusive approaches. In consideration of the concerns raised regarding composition of the speakers, there is fear that a balance of views will lack at the conference and gains achieved can be compromised.
As an interfaith platform deeply rooted in Christian, Muslim, and traditional religious belief systems, Faith to Action Network affirms that African family values must be defined by Africans even while learning from other backgrounds. African religious teachings and cultural practices emphasize compassion, dignity, justice, and inclusion – principles that are fundamental to strengthening families and communities.
We therefore call upon the organizers of the conference to:
- Prioritize African-led discourse by amplifying local faith leaders, theologians, scholars, and community practitioners.
- Ensure the conference reflects and affirms the diverse realities of African families – including the rights and dignity of women, youth, and marginalized communities.
- Guard against ideological neocolonialism that uses the language of “family values” to suppress rights and silence African agency.
We urge all stakeholders to commit to a Pan-African dialogue that is authentically African rooted in faith, justice, and shared humanity. As Faith to Action Network, we remain steadfast in our mission to mobilize faith actors for inclusive, peaceful, and just communities across the continent.
We trust the organizers will listen to the various voices of concern and pro-actively address the same.