What inspired you – and Bread for the World as an organization – to support the Thursdays in Black movement? Rev. Dr Pruin: Bread for the World works together with 1,500 partners in 87 countries towards a just world in which every person lives in dignity, has equal rights, resources are shared fairly, and planetary boundaries are respected. This is central to our advocacy work. As the dignity and rights of so many are constantly being harmed, especially those of women, girls and LGBTQIA+, we are highlighting that they are a potent force in the commitment to a just world. All the projects of our partners, from improving agricultural practices to promoting democracy, are aimed at narrowing and ultimately closing the gender gap. Thursdays in Black serves as a regular and timely reminder that sexualized and gender-based violence also occurs in the context of our daily work in diaconia, development cooperation, humanitarian aid, and the church. I have recommitted to this campaign to underline that we cannot tolerate attitudes and actions that condone rape and violence. With wearing black clothing on Thursdays and putting up a banner at the entrance to our building, we pay respect to women, trans*, and gender nonconforming people who face as well as stand up to this ongoing injustice. How do you raise awareness about Thursdays in Black and the need to overcome sexual and gender-based violence within and through the organization? Rev. Dr Pruin: We are committed to feminist foreign and development policy. This means aiming for the equal political, economic, and social participation of all people, regardless of their gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Accordingly, gender justice has been a central focus in our work for a long time, especially through gender-sensitive project planning. It is encouraging to see components like age-appropriate sex education, self-determined family planning, and responsible parenthood included in many of the initiatives of our partners. We are currently updating our gender policy in order to respond to the attacks on human rights regarding sexual identity, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual characteristics in an increasing number of countries worldwide. It is one of our focus topics of the Global Reference Group, our central advisory body composed of partner and non-partner senior representatives from all over the world. Civil society organizations play an important role in the fight against gender-based violence. This includes the tireless work of numerous Bread for the World partner organizations. They campaign for gender equality and promote projects that prevent gender-based violence including through education as well as support and empowerment spaces for women refugees. We also engage in political dialogue worldwide to end gender-based violence. One of these partner organizations is the women's organization Centro Juana Azurduy in Bolivia. It develops and disseminates information on gender-based violence and offers direct support via a telephone helpline. The Bread for the World Future Board, which is made up of young advisors to our leadership, has been focusing on gender justice in their discussions and recommendations. Are there any specific strategies or initiatives you've found particularly effective in overcoming obstacles or increasing participation in efforts to overcome gender-based violence? Rev. Dr Pruin: The figures on gender-specific violence correlate with social developments. Sexualized violence increases even more during wars. We observe a shocking correlation between job losses in the context of energy transformation and an increase in domestic partner violence. For current and future crises, such as climate change, we must work to prevent an increase in gender-based violence. It is therefore important to keep reminding ourselves of these linkages. Women, trans*, and gender nonconforming people are agents of change towards gender justice and equality. We need to recognize their voices and make them heard. Around 10% of the projects that Bread for the World supports have a specific focus on gender equality, and many others include gender equality components. Is there a particular moment or experience related to Thursdays in Black that stands out to you? Rev. Dr Pruin: I feel inspired by the many groups of women who are tirelessly protesting against human rights violations in many different conflicts and wars in many parts of the world. It is my goal and my prayer that with our work as Bread for the World and as part of the global campaign Thursdays in Black, we contribute to a more safe, just, and nonviolent world.
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Thursdays in Black Just Community of Women and Men Bread for the World | 
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