Khalaf-Elledge, N., Adan, A., Betsu, B. D., Kalkum, B., Mudimu, L., Chauke, B., & Matsau, S. (2026). From toolkit to practice: Emerging reflections on faith, GBV and dialogue in practice. Sexual Violence Research Initiative.

Abstract

This Dialogue Toolkit – developed by the SVRI Working Group 3 GBV & Religion of the Faith & GBV Community of Practice – is a practical resource designed to support safer, more constructive engagement between faith actors, policymakers, and GBV practitioners. Developed collaboratively by members of the WG3 from diverse geographical, professional, and religious backgrounds, it offers a flexible framework for navigating issues such as language, power, legitimacy, trust, and survivor-centred engagement. The toolkit was explored through three context-specific pilots in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe, using workshops, interviews, participatory discussions, storytelling, case scenarios, and faith-based reflection. The pilots found that meaningful dialogue depends not only on effective tools, but also on trust, skilled facilitation, contextual understanding, and sustained relationship-building. The toolkit is therefore most effective when embedded within a longer-term engagement process rather than used as a standalone intervention.