The Girls Friendly Society (GFS) began its life in England in 1875 as a ministry to provide support, safety and friendship for girls and young women moving from the country to the city for work.
That vision has since spread to more than 30 countries, and its mission has evolved over time.
Bishop Sonia was the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle’s representative at the latest gathering last month.
She said it was a “wonderful, informative and happy” experience.
“The ministry of GFS may be small in Australia these days, impacted by declining church attendance,” she said.
“We are not alone in this experience. However, in other parts of the world, it is thriving, extending, and doing amazing work.
“It was a privilege to hear some amazing stories and share with sisters of faith – and friends – from around the globe in fellowship and ministry.”
During the meetings, attendees were told about the ministries’ positive impacts on their communities.
In Sri Lanka, the local GFS ministry, in partnership with the Diocese of Colombo, provides English literacy lessons for teenagers and young women so they will have better employment opportunities.
They combine this with interview skills and other relevant training.
The GFS in Cameroon began teaching tailoring and business skills to groups of young women, enabling them to learn a new skill and set up a business.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, they use the same model to teach bakery and cakemaking, alongside business skills.
Some other countries focus on education, while England and Wales combine to provide opportunities for at risk girls.
Japan shared a moving report about their ongoing work in the Fukushima area, long after the 2014 tsunami disappeared from public consciousness.
The report included the ongoing impact of radiation poisoning – a generational problem – and of social dislocation created in the aftermath of the tsunami.
For those who remain, there are few playgrounds for children or places to gather, and general community breakdown. GFS Japan is working with others in local community partnerships to address these issues.
Gender-based violence is also a big issue across the ministries. Each of the African countries, particularly, spoke about empowering girls and women, and of raising the status of women.
Anglican Communion Women’s Network representative Mandy Marshall challenged attendees on whether church culture was complicit and invited them to imagine how they might be agents for change.
Apart from working sessions, Bishop Sonia said there was also plenty of fun.
“This included a visit to a nearby lion park, learning traditional drumming, and a meal at a Carnivore Restaurant – complete with its nine courses of exotic meats,” she said.
“Our closing worship was held at Johannesburg Cathedral and was a festival of worship as we know it, with much singing and dancing.
“Lunch followed at Soweto and included a visit to Nelson Mandela’s house.”
Visit GFS Australia’s website for more details about the organisation.