New network to empower women

Micah Challenge has launched a new global network to empower the nearly billion girls and women in poverty.

Woman to Woman was unveiled at the House of Commons last night.

The network has been set up to enable girls and women to be change makers in helping the poor.

They will be supported in taking action against poverty in the form of prayer and campaigns.

The campaigns will tackle a wide range of issues, such as trafficking, sexual violence, maternal deaths, poverty and low status.

The launch was attended by MPs Diane Abbott, Caroline Spelman and Stephen Timms.

Amanda Jackson, head of policy and campaigns at Micah Challenge, noted that the timing was ironic as it coincided with the defeat of legislation in the Church of England to allow women bishops.

"Women bishops were being rejected but literally we were creating a new network at the same time to empower women and girls the world over," she said.

"Whatever the formal stance on women in leadership within the UK Anglicans, the whole church needs to support the value and worth of women - all made in God's image - with dreams and hopes, talents and intelligence."