Role of faith based groups in stopping the violence

Last Sunday, 25 October was Orange Day.

It was a chance to raise awareness about gender-based violence (G.B.V) in Samoa and to engage with your community to create change.

Violence against women and girls is rooted in gender-based discrimination and social norms and gender stereotypes that perpetuate such violence.

Given the devastating effect violence has on women, efforts have mainly focused on responses and services for survivors.

However, the best way to end violence against women and girls is to prevent it from happening in the first place by addressing its root and structural causes.

Prevention should start early in life, by educating and working with young boys and girls promoting respectful relationships and gender equality.

Working with youth is a “best bet” for faster, sustained progress on preventing and eradicating gender-based violence.

While public policies and interventions often overlook this stage of life, it is a critical time when values and norms around gender equality are forged.

As religions around the world speak to the inherent sacredness of human life, religious leaders and their communities have the moral authority to raise awareness about G.B.V (Gender based Violence) and a moral responsibility to prevent violence, provide support and care, and strive

Religious leaders have the power to introduce ideas of respect and equality in their congregations. They possess an ordained role of leadership in their institutions and communities, serving as role models of care and compassion.

to transform societal or religious norms or practices that perpetuate such violence.

While leaders can call upon these communities to assist women who are facing G.B.V, they also can offer support, counselling, and guidance to those who perpetrate violence as the voice of accountability in communities.

Churches and faith based organizations that work with men and boys help accelerate progress in preventing and ending violence against women and girls. They can begin to challenge the deeply rooted inequalities and social norms that perpetuate men’s control and power over women and reinforce tolerance for violence against women and girls.

Leaders also can take advantage of faith networks and work across faiths to remind communities that G.B.V violates dignity and human rights and that their faiths call upon them to be merciful, caring, and loving toward all.