Interfaith Collective Launches Ground-breaking GBV Prevention and Mitigation Strategy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Interfaith Collective Launches Ground-breaking GBV Prevention and Mitigation Strategy

By Bhekisisa Mncube

24 September 2024

Johannesburg– The Faith Action to End GBV Collective, in collaboration with We Will Speak Out South Africa (WWSOSA), proudly announces the launch of the first-ever joint Interfaith GBV Prevention and Mitigation Strategy 2024–2030. This historic initiative marks a significant step forward in the united efforts of diverse faith communities to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide across South Africa.

The launch event will take place on Thursday, 3 October 2024, from 09:00 to 16:00 at the Baha'i National Centre, 209 Bellairs Drive, North Riding, Johannesburg, with an additional hybrid online option available for those unable to attend in person. This comprehensive strategy represents the culmination of years of collaboration and dialogue among various religious groups and stakeholders, committed to addressing the pervasive issue of GBV within both faith communities and the broader society.

The Interfaith GBV Prevention and Mitigation Strategy aims to transform harmful social, cultural, and religious norms that perpetuate violence and to establish faith communities as safe spaces for sanctuary, care, and healing. It outlines a clear vision of an inclusive South African society free of gender-based violence and femicide, with faith leaders and communities playing a pivotal role in driving this transformation.

“This strategy builds on the successful launch of last year’s Statement of Intent and is a comprehensive, actionable plan that outlines clear, measurable steps for faith communities to take in preventing and responding to gender-based violence,” said Daniela Gennrich, Coordinator at WWSOSA.

Gennrich added: “It calls for a fundamental transformation within religious institutions, urging faith leaders and members to actively engage in challenging the harmful norms and practices that have often perpetuated violence. This is about more than words—it is a call to action that requires concrete commitments, accountability, and sustained effort from every corner of the faith sector.”

“By uniting around this shared commitment, we are not only acknowledging the critical role that faith communities can play in addressing GBV but also taking a decisive stand against all forms of violence and abuse,” she emphasised.

“This movement aims to create safe, inclusive spaces within our congregations and communities, where everyone, regardless of their gender, is treated with dignity and respect. Our goal is to foster a culture of equality and justice, where the values of compassion, love, and mutual respect are not just preached, but actively practised. We are holding ourselves to a higher standard, setting an example that we hope will resonate far beyond the faith sector, influencing the broader societal shift needed to eradicate GBV in all its forms,” she explained.

Key elements of the strategy include:

• Transforming Harmful Norms: Addressing and challenging the cultural, social, and religious norms that enable GBV.
• Movement-Building and Advocacy: Strengthening partnerships and networks to amplify the impact of faith communities in GBV prevention.
• Localising Efforts and Impact: Working closely with local partners to build safe faith communities that actively prevent and respond to GBV.

This launch is a call to action for all faith leaders, community members, and the public to join forces in creating a future where no one is subject to violence because of their gender. It underscores the belief that true faith is expressed not only through words but through actions that protect and uplift the most vulnerable in society.

For media enquiries and interview requests, please contact:

Gil Harper: 082 434 5874 | gilharp@gmail.com
Daniela Gennrich: 072 453 7502 / 084 581 0622 | coordinator@wwsosa.org.za

Issued by: The Faith Action to End GBV Collective
24 September 2024