Daniel, I love that you start out your post by being honest about automatically defaulting to thinking about a male leader. I think we all have implicit biases that we are unaware of until they reveal themselves. I know for myself when looking at this assignment, my default was to pick a female leader. As a female in Christian ministry I have had the privilege of working with an organization, much like you, that believes in and practices empowering women. However, I have been acutely aware that especially in a Christian context, patriarchy still very much exists. Because of this context I immediately defaulted to picking a female leader for this assignment. I have a desire, much like Danielle, to fight to see not just my organization, but the wider body of Christ become what it could be and what Christ is calling us to be.

In your post you explain how the Salvation Army from the beginning has worked to empower women but that you “believe there is still more work to be done in regards to empowering women in the organization, and giving them positions, based on their skills and not just the skills of their spouse” (Rowe, 2018). Seeing this is a great start, but my question would be is there anything you personally could be doing to help empower women more? I do not know what your role or position is, but I think you seeing this as an issue in your own organization puts you in a unique position to affect change in this area.

I have had the opportunity to hear Danielle speak in person and agree with you that she is willing to fight for what she believes in. Her commitment to social justice, including advocating for the role of female leaders, is contagious. She is articulate and inspiring. I appreciate that she is not afraid to speak the truth. She is a leader that I admire because of her tenacity and perseverance.

At the end of your blog you mention that you would encourage her to engage more men in what she is saying. I am wondering how you would suggest she do that? I am asking because the answer probably holds some principles that I could employ in my own life as a female leader.

References:

Rowe, Daniel. (2018, September 28). Assignment 1 – Follow the leader [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://create.twu.ca/danielsportfolio/2018/09/28/assignment-1-follow-the-leader/