Women account for an estimated 67% of the people who work with, are served by, and donate to faith-based global development organizations, yet only 17% of women fill leadership roles – executive leaders, board members, or CEOs – at these same organizations.

The Alliance, however, believes that in order to see global poverty end in all its forms, men and women’s voices and experiences must be equally represented and heard at all levels of an organization – from top leadership to the community served. That’s why the Alliance is seeking to create systemic change by bringing women and male allies together around a new leadership table and, together, advocating for greater gender equality in faith-based organizations through the amplification of women’s lived experiences and organizational metrics. 

Through a yearly membership, women and male allies active in the global development sector can benefit from a community of like-minded professionals as well as opportunities for spiritual formation, advocacy, mentorship and leadership development that help more women expand their influence and leadership potential within the sector. 

Dr. Bibiana Mac Leod, the co-founder of the Latin American Forum Against Human Trafficking for the World Evangelical Alliance and one of the Alliance’s 14 committee members, knows firsthand the negative impact gender inequality has on women in global development. 

“Growing up in Latin America, the model of leadership I saw was not inclusive and it didn’t encourage women to flourish in their God-given skills,” says Dr. Mac Leod.

“It is important we have women from diverse backgrounds represented at all professional levels in our organizations. This helps to model to the communities we serve – as well as others in the sector – a way of working together that values everyone’s views and perspectives. It sends a powerful message.”

The barriers to influence and leadership in faith-based global development organizations is even greater for women of color. Anu George Canjanathoppil, CEO at International Justice Mission Canada, says that “women have historically always been more vulnerable” and that “race adds another layer of complexity.” 

“Generation after generation the legacy of power imbalance has been carried on,” says Canjanathoppil. “This creates another invisible layer for a woman of color to fight through to succeed. [The Alliance is] setting the table and inviting [women] to come to a place where everyone is equally represented.”

The annual membership fees ​​will be priced at rates sensitive to our member's realities – an intentional effort to make the Alliance accessible for global development professionals working in all parts of the world. 

Membership includes access to a global network of development professionals, a host of online resources, workshops, videos and webinars, biblical resources, coaching and leadership development opportunities, invitations to in-person gatherings and more. 

It’s time more women are seated at the table where decisions are being made that affect them and the next generation of girls. Through more inclusive and diverse leadership across the global development sector, the Alliance believes more women will begin to exercise their God-given influence and leadership potential and faith-based global development organizations will see greater results in their efforts to alleviate poverty worldwide.

For more information, visit thewelcomingtable.org

About The Christian Alliance for Inclusive Development: The Christian Alliance for Inclusive Development is a network of women and male allies championing change for women serving in the global development sector through networking and relationship building, advocacy, spiritual formation and leadership development. Known as “the Alliance”, it was founded in 2022 and invites all people to take a seat at the table and become a member. 

For more information and media inquiries, email at: [email protected] 

The Alliance Steering Committee includes: 

• Amanda Miah, Chief of Staff, Tearfund USA
• Dr. Amy Reynolds, Director, Wheaton College Gender Initiative
• Anu George, Executive Director, International Justice Mission Canada
• Dr. Beth Birmingham, Founding Partner, BE Development Partners
• Dr. Bibiana Mac Leod, Co-founder of the Latin American Forum Against Human Trafficking, World Evangelical Alliance
• Catherine Naliaka, Global Principal Program Development Advisor, Compassion International
• Corina Villacorta, Executive Coach and Mentor
• Eeva Sallinen Simard, Chief of Party, World Relief
• ​​Emily Sarmiento, President & CEO, Tearfund USA
• Jane Overstreet, President & CEO, Development Associates International
• LaTashia Satterfield Ogunlana, Board Director, Tearfund USA & Elder, AME Church
• Dr. Mimi Haddad, President & CEO, CBE International
• Dr. Nadine Bowers Du Toit, Assoc. Professor of Theology & Development, University of Stellenbosch
• Sarah Jackson, Talent Management, Compassion International