About

Our core aims

The Sophia Network exists to empower and equip women in leadership, and to champion the full equality of women and men in the church.

We believe that God created men and women to work together in partnership and full equality, and that both women and men are called to leadership in all areas of life. Our ultimate aim is to encourage women and men to work together more closely in a way that reflects the heart of God, but we recognize that sometimes issues need to be addressed before women can contribute on a level playing field.

We therefore have a particular focus on connecting women in leadership to access training, develop skills and grow as leaders. We also want to encourage both men and women to reflect on the role models they provide for young people, and the aspirations and expectations they are helping to shape.

What we will do in 2012

• Website – continue to write a blog on gender and leadership; the website is a showcase for women’s writing; we increase the visibility of women in leadership through regular interviews and features.
• Regional meetings – we resource local groups of women in leadership who meet for support, learning, encouragement and development.
• Consultancy work around gender issues – helping churches and organisations who want to address gender equality.
• Training – on topics such as gender awareness, communication skills for women, working with girls.
• Theology –  we’ve published the In the Image of God resource – 8 sessions on what the Bible says about women and men from an egalitarian perspective.
• Leadership development – DLG for young women – a residential weekend that develops leadership in girls; leadership learning groups for adults.
• Speaking – suggesting women speakers for events and conferences.
• Working with girls – co-hosting the girls ministry vision group with the Girls Brigade England and Wales, to disseminate good practice and provoke thinking.
• Monthly email – keeping people up to date with relevant news and events.
• Networking – ensuring that the issues of equality and women in leadership are kept on the agenda of the church and Christian organisations.

Who we are

We are a registered charity, number 1128538. We have a steering group of six women who meet four times a year and six trustees who meet three times a year. We have over 760 female members, and around 80 men who have signed up in support. The Sophia Network was founded by Jenny Baker and Sharon Prior in 2007, and Jenny has been the Director since February 2011, paid for a few days' each month.