Can Faith Leaders Stop Violence Against Women?

"A growing body of research shows that faith leaders can be powerful allies against social ills like gender-based violence. As a social-organisational psychologist, I research how people use their strengths and the strengths of their culture to assist those who are suffering in their society."

"Our study found that faith leaders could indeed be activated as champions of positive social change. They can activate entire communities-men and women-to come together to address gender-based violence. We found that the ripple effect can endure and extend well beyond initial efforts."

"The Second Congo War (1998-2003) was one of Africa's deadliest civil wars, claiming as many as 3 million lives. Systematic rape was wielded as a weapon of war. The DRC earned the unfortunate label of 'rape capital of the world.' Internally displaced women and girls were viewed by armed militia as soft targets."

Religious leaders including pastors, imams, and rabbis can serve as effective champions against gender-based violence and social harm. Research from the Democratic Republic of Congo demonstrates that faith leaders successfully initiated interventions addressing gender-based violence within marriage, gender roles, and male community allyship. A year-long program showed that religious leaders could mobilize both men and women to collectively address these issues, with effects extending beyond initial efforts. This challenges historical cynicism about religion's role in perpetuating harm, revealing instead how faith communities and their leaders can leverage cultural strengths to support vulnerable populations and create lasting community transformation.

Read at Psychology Today