Integrating gender-based violence and child protection, an exploration of Islamic Relief’s approaches

The potential of faith-based organisations in engaging with faith leaders to transform discriminatory norms and local response to gender-based violence (GBV), including violence against children, has been vastly unrecognised. Drawing upon Islamic Relief’s (IR) policies and an integrated approach to GBV and child protection (CP) programmes, applied in Mali, Niger, Pakistan, and Ethiopia, we explore how the organisation engages with local faith actors to prevent violence against women and children. We discuss in what ways and to what effect IR engages with faith communities to address intersectional concerns of GBV and CP within protection and inclusion framework. We reflect on lessons learned and propose wider recommendations. We argue that humanitarian actors should engage with faith-based organisations and faith leaders for effective prevention of GBV and CP in local faith communities.