"Global Sisterhood: Empowering Women for Leadership, Justice, and Solidarity." with Rev. Dr. Andrea Vassell
After the Podcast
Rev. Dr. Andrea Vassell is a powerful voice in the movement for justice and equality. As co-founder of the Wawa Aba Womanist Leadership Institute, she is reshaping the landscape of faith-based leadership, centering the experiences of Black women. Named after the Wawa Aba Adinkra symbol, which signifies strength, resilience, and perseverance, the Institute brings these qualities to the forefront, empowering leaders to engage actively in the fight for a free, equitable, and just world. WAWA ABA focuses on theological education, leadership training, and political engagement, addressing the unique needs and perspectives of Black women through a womanist lens.
The institute seeks to answer the call for women-centered spaces that nurture the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of Black women. WAWA ABA “aims to create spaces where the lived experiences of Black women inform the lens through which we view God and the world around us.” Through the Institute, she and her colleagues amplify the voices of Black women, nurturing an environment where these experiences shape their understanding of faith and justice.
Dr. Vassell is also a member of The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries (TFAM), a collective founded on radical inclusivity. TFAM, under the guidance of Rev. Dr. Yvette Flunder, provides a safe space for marginalized individuals and fosters an inclusive church community. As part of the TFAM Global Board of Presbyters, Dr. Vassell advocates for justice at a global level, including her involvement in initiatives like the KOGIS (Keeping Our Girls in School) Project. This initiative launched with TFAM's support and partners such as The Afiya Center, Iris House, MWA Kenya, and the Cosmopolitan Affirming Church Nairobi, aims to support schoolgirls in Kenya by providing menstrual pads, hygiene products, and sexual and reproductive health information. "No girl’s education should be stopped by her period," asserts Dr. Vassell, who is deeply committed to addressing the social and economic barriers that limit girls' access to education.
For Dr. Vassell, radical inclusivity isn't merely a theoretical concept but a way of life. "As a lived experience, radical inclusivity is quite difficult," she reflects, noting that "radical" means “it is not convenient” and requires “welcoming the stranger.” This journey toward inclusivity demands intentionality, and, as she emphasizes, it "is not the road of least resistance."
Dr. Vassell’s work is deeply informed by womanist theology, which she distinguishes from mainstream feminism. While both movements are concerned with gender justice, womanism addresses issues specific to Black women and women of color, often overlooked in broader feminist discourse. Citing Alice Walker, Dr. Vassell explains, “Feminism is to lavender as womanism is to purple.” She continues, "Not in opposition to each other, womanism simply addresses the nuances and the issues of women of color and Black women in ways that are not addressed in the feminist movement."
Central to Dr. Vassell’s vision of justice is the principle of "conscious solidarity," an active, empathetic commitment to walk alongside those affected by oppression. Conscious solidarity, she says, means “bringing their names and who they are into the room.” In her view, effective solidarity isn’t abstract; it requires recognizing the humanity of marginalized individuals and standing with them in their struggles.
For those inspired by Dr. Vassell’s work and the mission of WAWA ABA, here are some ways to help build a more inclusive world:
Educate Yourself on Womanist Thought: Read and listen to Black women and women of color to understand how womanism differs from traditional feminism. Familiarize yourself with the writings of scholars and activists like Alice Walker, bell hooks, and Renita Weems to appreciate the richness of this perspective.
Practice Conscious Solidarity: Move beyond performative support. Attend community meetings, support initiatives led by marginalized groups, and ensure their voices are central in conversations about social justice.
Embrace Radical Inclusivity: In your own community, strive to create spaces where all people feel valued and accepted. Radical inclusivity demands effort and commitment but is vital to building a world that truly welcomes everyone.
Dr. Vassell’s ministry, from her work with WAWA ABA to her advocacy for girls’ education in Kenya, embodies the strength and resilience symbolized by the Wawa Aba. Through radical inclusivity, she inspires us to imagine a future where historically silenced voices are heard, every struggle acknowledged, and every person valued.