“He took her by the hand and told her to stand”

Abstract

This reflection highlights the importance of women's agency in response to crises and challenges today. The inclusion and participation of women improves the well-being of all, be it in education, health care, the economy, or the government. There is a need to challenge interreligious dialogue settings that exclude or sideline women. Another critical area relates to the “freedom of religion or belief” agenda that sometimes concedes to misogynist perspectives in religious traditions. The text pleads strongly for full inclusion of women in the dialogue and human rights agenda.