Dr. Nontando Hadebe

My name is Dr Nontando Hadebe. I was born in Zimbabwe and reside Johannesburg, South Africa. Currently I work part time each for two organizations: International Coordinator for Side by Side Interfaith Movement for Gender Justice and Gender consultant for Bread for the World. Both organizations are hosted by We Will Speak Out South Africa and work with grassroot organizations focused on gender justice. I have membership in women-led organizations advocating for inclusive gender justice for all leaving no one behind.

These include The Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians, a pan African  interfaith and ecumenical organizations of women theologians committed to dismantling patriarchy in religion and culture and constructing liberating theologies for women; Catholic Women Council advocating for women’s full equality and dignity in the Catholic church; Future Church/Catholic Women preach committed to equality of women in Catholic church and restoring the history of women’s contributions and roles in the church. Accordingly my research, publications and advocacy focuses on issues related to women’s oppression and liberation. In the pursuit of inclusive gender justice, I have included SOGIE rights and human dignity. I am convinced that despite the contradictory role of religion and culture as oppressor and liberator at different times in history, the underlying ethos of religion is orientated towards justice, equality and flourishing of all life. This is the driving force of my life and everything I do. I have also received several awards including: Pauline Jericot award for work on gender equality in the Catholic church; Research Scholar, Regensburg University, Germany; Fulbright Scholar in Residence at Emmanuel College, Boston, USA; International Fellow at Jesuit School of Theology, Santa Clara University, USA ; post-doctoral fellowship at the University of South Africa; Facilitator and trainer with Fellowship of Church Councils in Southern Africa in the program on inclusive gender justice focusing on the rights and human dignity of LGBTI people; and have a weekly radio program on radio VERITAS. I believe that the highest expression of all religions embraces and transcends human rights in service of humanity and a better world.