Faith Leaders Can Help End Gender-Based Violence: Research from the DRC

Can religious leaders truly be allies in preventing violence against women? It’s a question that might initially feel fraught with complexity, given the historical role of religion in both perpetuating and challenging societal norms. But a growing body of research suggests that faith leaders – pastors, imams, rabbis, and others – can be powerful agents of change, particularly in communities where formal systems of support are weak or distrusted. A recent study, focusing on the Democratic Republic of Congo, offers a compelling example of how targeted interventions with religious leaders can significantly reduce rates of gender-based violence.

The DRC, tragically known as the “rape capital of the world,” provides a stark backdrop for this inquiry. The Second Congo War (1998-2003) saw systematic rape used as a weapon of war, leaving a legacy of trauma and violence that continues to plague the nation. Even after the conflict subsided, the reintegration of former child soldiers – many of whom had been taught to view women as “spoils of war” – contributed to rampant gender-based violence. Traditional avenues for seeking justice often failed, leaving women reluctant to report abuse due to cultural norms of silence and fear of further repercussions. It was within this context that faith leaders stepped forward, recognizing their unique position of trust within the community.

The Tamar Campaign: A Model for Interfaith Intervention

In 2013, a three-year initiative known as the Tamar Campaign was launched by the Fellowship of Christian Councils and Churches in the Great Lakes and the Horn of Africa. This interfaith effort, named after the biblical story of Tamar’s rape, aimed to combat gender-based violence by engaging communities through scripture and open dialogue. The campaign reached over 30,000 people across multiple cities and villages in the DRC, offering participants approximately a year of programming. The core strategy involved using scriptural stories as a starting point for discussions about healthy relationships, gender equity, and non-violence.

The story of Tamar, found in the Old Testament, served as a powerful entry point. It highlights themes of rape, domestic violence, and the silencing of victims – issues that resonate across Christian, Islamic, and Jewish traditions. By examining these narratives, faith leaders facilitated conversations about the root causes of gender-based violence and challenged harmful gender norms. The program also focused on equipping men with socio-emotional skills, helping them to identify and express their emotions in healthy ways, and fostering empathy and respect for women.

Study Findings: A Significant Reduction in Violence

Four years after the Tamar Campaign concluded, a research team, including Karen Torjesen and Grace Ngare, evaluated its effectiveness. Their study, conducted in North and South Kivu provinces, revealed a remarkable finding: participants in the program experienced a 50%-85% lower incidence of violence compared to control groups. The reduction was particularly pronounced in North Kivu. This success is notable given the limited impact of many previous interventions aimed at addressing gender-based violence in the region.

What set the Tamar Campaign apart was its focus on transforming the attitudes and behaviors of men. Traditional advocacy-based interventions often faced resistance from women who feared retaliation or social ostracism if they reported abuse. By engaging men as allies, the program created a safer environment for women and fostered a sense of shared responsibility for preventing violence. The study also found that marital relationships among participants improved, with couples reporting increased communication and mutual respect.

Beyond the Initial Intervention: A Ripple Effect

The impact of the Tamar Campaign extended far beyond the initial program period. Communities that had heard about the initiative began to adopt the curriculum and implement similar programs, demonstrating a sustained commitment to addressing gender-based violence. Community members started intervening when they witnessed abuse, offering support to victims and challenging perpetrators. This ripple effect highlights the potential for faith-based interventions to create lasting social change.

This approach isn’t limited to the DRC. United Voices and Action Against GBV in South Africa, for example, recognizes the critical role of faith communities in addressing gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), aligning with the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP on GBVF). The organization acknowledges that while faith communities can be spaces where harmful gender norms are perpetuated, they also possess the potential to be powerful allies in promoting equality, and safety.

Addressing the Complexities

It’s important to acknowledge that engaging faith leaders in the fight against gender-based violence is not without its challenges. Harmful interpretations of religious texts can sometimes justify male dominance or tolerance of abuse. Any intervention must be carefully designed to challenge these interpretations and promote a more equitable understanding of religious teachings. The success of such programs depends on the willingness of faith leaders to genuinely embrace the principles of gender equality and non-violence.

The DRC study also highlights the importance of cultural context. In a society where formal systems of justice are weak or corrupt, faith leaders often hold significant influence and are seen as trusted figures. This unique position allows them to reach communities that might otherwise be inaccessible to traditional interventions. However, it’s crucial to recognize that the effectiveness of faith-based interventions may vary depending on the specific cultural and religious context.

Looking Ahead: Scaling Up and Sustaining Impact

The findings from the DRC offer a valuable lesson for other communities grappling with the challenge of gender-based violence. By leveraging the influence and reach of faith leaders, it is possible to create lasting change and empower communities to address this pervasive problem. Further research is needed to identify the most effective strategies for engaging faith leaders in different contexts and to assess the long-term impact of these interventions. Continued support for initiatives like the Tamar Campaign is essential to ensure that this momentum is sustained and that women and girls are protected from violence. The UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women offers resources and guidance on engaging faith-based and traditional actors in preventing violence against women and girls.