On “International Women’s Day,” we celebrate women as the nexus of a thriving and just society. In a time when women’s rights are being questioned, issues about gender are being disregarded, girls are looking for models who they can follow, and many gains in the last decades and centuries are being dismantled, we need to affirm and celebrate women’s lives and contributions to society and reaffirm the values of Methodist education which started with Susanna Wesley in the 18th century.
Susanna Wesley, the mother and the first educator of the founder of Methodism, John Wesley, was the one who planted the seeds for Methodist education in the 18th century. IAMSCU is proud of this legacy which continues as its members institutions educate girls from Kindergarten to doctoral programs, so that they can participate in and contribute to the development of a more just society. Methodist education was a pioneer in pre-school education for girls and we continue to promote opportunities in this area. Methodist education was a pioneer in women’s rights. Methodist education formed some of the most important women leaders worldwide.
Today, many Methodist-related institutions continue in this path. Ewha Woman’s University (South Korea) is the largest and most important women’s university in the world. Isabella Thoburn College (India) serves as a key center for the education of young women in Lucknow. Wesleyan College, in the state of Georgia (United States), is internationally famous for having educated the most important women leaders in the United States and also in China. Bennett College, an institution founded in 1873 in the state of North Carolina (United States) has been focusing on the education of women of color since 1926. Many other institutions in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America and North America have been created to provide education and leadership development opportunities for women. Today, women have a guaranteed place at all Methodist-related institutions worldwide. We celebrate the contribution of Methodist education to women’s liberation.
IAMSCU plays a key role promoting and celebrating women leaders, being at the forefront of initiatives in this area. Adriana Murriello was elected the first female President of IAMSCU in 2023 and, under her leadership, more women have become involved in Methodist-related programs and in IAMSCU.
Bishop Rosemarie Wenner (Germany), Dr. Rowanne Marie (South Africa), Rev. Dr. Hilde Marie Movafagh (Norway), President emerita Dr. Fayneese Miller (United States), and Rev. Dr. Janet Unsworth (Northern Ireland) are among the leading members of the IAMSCU Board of Directors. The various regional associations of Methodist education are led by women educators as well: Dr. Rosemary Nyarugwe (Zimbabwe, Africa), Rev. Virginie Umba (Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa), Dr. Florita Miranda (Philippines, Asia Pacific), Dr. Cristina Mañabat (Philippines, Asia Pacific), Dr. Susanna Baxter (United States, North America), Ms Judith Fenn (United Kingdom) and Ms Barbara Easton (United Kingdom). We congratulate all women leaders in Methodist education worldwide.
As IAMSCU celebrates this “International Women’s Day,” President Adriana Murriello sends special greetings to the whole network worldwide, highlighting the example of Susanna Wesley. On behalf of IAMSCU, Murriello expresses her thankfulness for women from many generations and from across the nations who have contributed and continue to contribute to Methodist education. As we face many challenges today, let us not only celebrate but also continue to be engage in the very important struggle for social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide.
Africa
Asia Pacific
Europe
Latin America
North America
Worldwide
