Religious leaders from across Amathole District and Nelson Mandela Bay are calling for stronger action to prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV), recognising the important role that churches and other faith communities can play in supporting survivors and challenging harmful gender norms.
In June 2026, 136 religious leaders participated in policy discussions facilitated by senior trainers from Sonke Gender Justice within their own congregations. The engagements focused on strengthening faith leaders’ capacity to promote gender equality, challenge harmful gender norms, and strengthen responses to GBV in their churches and surrounding communities.
For many survivors, faith communities can be an important source of support. Religious leaders therefore have an opportunity to influence how communities understand gender, relationships and violence, while ensuring that people who disclose experiences of GBV are treated with dignity and connected to appropriate services.
As one religious leader said during the session, “As faith leaders, we have a responsibility to challenge harmful beliefs and create safe spaces where survivors are supported and heard”.
Creating safer spaces within churches
The discussions provided religious leaders with an opportunity to reflect on the realities of GBV within their communities, share experiences from their congregations, and explore practical ways of strengthening prevention and survivor support.
Participants actively engaged in the discussions, raising questions, sharing experiences, and reflecting on how gender norms and power relations can influence relationships within their congregations and communities.
One of the clearest messages emerging from the engagements was the need for churches to strengthen their internal safeguarding systems.
Several religious leaders requested further technical support from Sonke Gender Justice to develop and implement safeguarding policies within their churches, particularly to strengthen protection for women, children and other vulnerable members of faith communities.
Participants also proposed establishing dedicated GBV committees or adding GBV responsibilities to existing church structures to provide information, support survivors, and facilitate referrals to appropriate services.
Participants identified the Methodist Church of Southern Africa as an example of how faith-based structures can support GBV prevention and awareness, including through awareness activities during campaigns such as the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.
Moving from awareness to practical support
The discussions also highlighted gaps in some religious leaders’ knowledge and confidence when responding to GBV disclosures.
Participants requested additional capacity building on GBV referral pathways, survivor-centred approaches and the appropriate handling of sensitive disclosures. They emphasised that survivors should be met with empathy and support and that responses must avoid causing further harm or secondary victimisation.
The request for further training is significant because it reflects a shift from recognising GBV as a social problem to considering what faith institutions can practically do when someone seeks help.
For religious leaders, this includes knowing where to refer survivors, understanding the limits of their own role, maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring that survivors can access specialised support when needed.
Faith leaders commit to taking action
The engagements also generated commitments from religious leaders to integrate GBV prevention and gender equality into existing faith-based activities.
Participants committed to incorporating awareness messages into church services, Sunday school programmes and other congregational activities, creating opportunities to reach both adults and young people.
The discussions also strengthened collaboration between Sonke Gender Justice and local churches, creating opportunities for continued engagement and capacity building.
“Sonke’s programmes have changed lives in our community, including my own family, where they supported us in court appearances. We are now better equipped to speak out against gender-based violence,” said a religious leader from New St Roma Church.
The testimony reflects the potential of sustained community-based engagement to move beyond awareness-raising and strengthen people’s confidence to respond to GBV.
Building partnerships for lasting change
The June engagements demonstrate the potential of faith-based institutions to contribute to long-term GBV prevention when religious leaders are equipped with the knowledge, tools and referral networks needed to respond appropriately.
With 136 religious leaders engaged across Amathole District and Nelson Mandela Bay, the discussions created a platform for faith leaders to consider how their influence can be used to challenge harmful gender norms, promote gender equality and create safer environments for survivors.
For Sonke Gender Justice, continued engagement with faith leaders provides an opportunity to strengthen community-led approaches to GBV prevention while supporting religious institutions to become safer, more inclusive spaces for women, children and other members of their communities.
Ultimately, the role of faith leaders extends beyond speaking about GBV. It includes challenging the beliefs and practices that enable violence, responding safely when survivors seek help, and using their influence to build communities grounded in dignity, equality and accountability.
Community Dialogues on Positive Parenting
In the month of May, 195 community members from Nelson Mandela Metro and Amathole District participated in Positive Parenting Community Dialogues facilitated by Sonke Gender Justice Community Action Team (CAT) members. The dialogues aimed to strengthen positive parenting practices by equipping parents and caregivers with practical skills to create safe, nurturing, and supportive home environments for children.
The dialogues provided a safe and interactive platform for parents and caregivers to discuss the importance of building trusting relationships with their children through open communication, active listening, mutual respect, and positive guidance. Participants reflected on the role of positive parenting in preventing violence, strengthening family relationships, and promoting children’s well-being. Community members actively shared their parenting experiences, challenges, and practical strategies for creating supportive home environments where children feel safe, valued, and heard.
During the dialogue held in Booysen Park, a community member who works within the juvenile justice system shared her experiences and perspectives on the challenges faced by young people who come into conflict with the law. She highlighted the important role parents and caregivers play in shaping children’s behaviour, decision-making, and future outcomes. Drawing from her work with young people, she emphasised that communication breakdowns, lack of supervision, limited emotional support, and harsh disciplinary practices can contribute to risky behaviours among children and adolescents. She encouraged parents to strengthen relationships with their children through active listening, guidance, and positive discipline approaches.
Participants also explored practical strategies for positive parenting, including spending quality time with children, setting clear boundaries, providing emotional support, and avoiding violent forms of discipline. The discussions encouraged parents and caregivers to reflect on their parenting practices and consider how their actions can contribute to safer and healthier family environments.
Community members demonstrated strong engagement throughout the dialogues and committed to adopting positive parenting approaches within their households. The sessions reinforced the important role that parents and caregivers play in protecting children from violence and creating supportive environments where children can thrive. The dialogues also strengthened Sonke Gender Justice’s partnership with communities in promoting positive parenting and preventing violence against women and children.
Quote 1: “Positive parenting starts with listening to our children, building trust, and creating homes where they feel safe, respected, and supported.” – Community participant
Quote 2: “Our work with young people shows us that the support children receive at home can make a difference in the choices they make and the future they build.” – Community member working in the juvenile justice system.
