Khalaf-Elledge, N., & Marsso, S. (2025). Policy Brief. SVRI Community of Practice on Faith and GBV. Enhancing communication between faith actors and policymakers on gender-based violence in Africa. Sexual Violence Research Initiative.

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a significant global issue, requiring locally grounded and multifaceted responses. Faith-based actors hold influential roles in shaping cultural norms and social behaviours, positioning them as key stakeholders in efforts to address GBV. However, a gap in communication between faith leaders and policymakers often leads to ineffective policies, fragmented survivor support, and the persistence of harmful practices.

This policy brief underscores the critical necessity of fostering robust, meaningful dialogue and collaboration between these two groups to tackle GBV. It outlines the risks associated with inadequate communication or lack thereof, highlights the potential benefits of strengthened dialogue, provides actionable recommendations for building bridges, and uses targeted, research-informed examples to illustrate these points, ultimately aiming to create more comprehensive and socially relevant solutions to GBV. While the brief centres African experiences and voices—particularly those from the field —it acknowledges that both GBV and the communication challenges it explores are not unique to Africa. These dynamics occur globally, and the insights presented here aim to inform broader, cross-contextual learning.