Joint reflections on religion countering violence against women and girls

Abstract

Using the previous two empirical chapters as a starting point, Chapter 9 offers a more general reflection on the positive contribution of religion to violence against women and girls (VAWG) prevention and response. The potential of a scriptural approach for resisting VAWG is highlighted, as is the important role of religious actors as implementers and partners in VAWG interventions. Faith-based organisations have a potentially unique contribution to make, due to their ability to develop and offer the theological resources needed for a scriptural approach. Engaging around sacred scriptures can potentially also be a meeting point for interfaith collaboration on addressing VAWG. Sacred scripture can empower women, including survivors, and the importance of religious coping as an agential act by survivors and women at risk of violence is highlighted. The chapter emphasises that the international development sector should stop dismissing the role and impact of religious experiences. Finally, the importance of respecting and responding to context is again highlighted, as is the role, authority, influence and importance of religious leaders in addressing VAWG.