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Working with religious leaders and faith communities to advance culturally informed strategies to address violence against women

abstract South Africa (SA), a country with a long history of colonialism and apartheid is faced with the enormous problem of gender-based violence against women in intimate relationships and public spaces because of the intricacies of white supremacy and patriarchy. Research indicates that South African women live in one of the most religious – yet most violent - societies in the world. Around 90% of its population ascribe to religious practice. Studies indicate that one in four women find themselves in abusive relationships. Research also points out that while many victims/ survivors use faith as a coping mechanism and that they often approach their religious leaders and faith communities for help, perpetrators use easily misinterpreted scriptures, religious teachings and cultural practices to support abusive behaviour. Feminist theologians and practitioners note that although the rights discourse is an essential democratic value (in a post-apartheid South Africa), it is not in itself an effective intervention strategy in contexts where religion (embedded in culture) is a social determinant of hierarchical gender power-relations. Skewed gender-power relations are justified by suggesting that hierarchical gender power-relations are ‘ordered’ by God. The idea that gender equality is incompatible with traditional family values is also promoted within some conservative faith communities. The South African Faith and Family Institute (SAFFI), a multi-faith non-profit organisation was established in 2008 to address the faith dimensions of violence against women (VAW) and to be a resource to religious leaders and faith communities in advancing culturally informed strategies and interventions that promote equal and more loving relationships between intimate partners. This article will reflect on SAFFI’s work in the hope that it contributes to the broader pool of new thinking and debate on women’s rights and gender equality as it relates to local faith communities in the Western Cape, South Africa.