Deconstructing Islamic perspectives on sexual and gender-based violence, toward a faith inclusive approach

The potential of faith perspectives to combat violence against women and girls has been overshadowed by misunderstanding religion as a contributing factor to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). In fact, religion can be also a protective factor against SGBV. This chapter develops the argument that religion can be a resource to prevent SGBV and that faith-inspired interventions can be effective strategies to challenge discriminatory social norms and violence. I examine Islamic perspectives on SGBV and how a faith-sensitive SGBV intervention of Islamic Relief Ethiopia employs faith to combat SGBV in a humanitarian context. I argue that local faith communities, including faith leaders, can seek to end SGBV. Humanitarian infrastructure should recognize religious resources as capacities of local faith communities and integrate their perspectives into programming to increase the effectiveness of SGBV programmes in faith communities.