Orientation: The role of religion in countering violence against women and girls

This chapter introduces the third part of the volume, which focuses on the role of religion in countering violence against women and girls (VAWG). Religious ideas, religious practices, religious organisation and religious experiences can all make a positive contribution to VAWG prevention and response. An overview is offered of the remaining three chapters in Part III.

Le Roux’s Chapter 7 relies on four key studies, namely a 2018–2019 study in Zambia, a 2010 study in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda and Liberia, a 2015–2018 study in the DRC and a multi-country study conducted in 2019. A methodological overview is offered of the two of these four studies (the methodologies of the remaining two studies have been discussed in Chapter 2).

Pertek’s Chapter 8 draws on her PhD research projects in Turkey and Tunisia and her experiences and learning as a gender policy advisor and social development practitioner at Islamic Relief Worldwide and in collaboration with Islamic Relief Ethiopia. A methodological overview of these studies is offered. Part III concludes with a joint reflection (in Chapter 9) on the positive contribution of religion to VAWG prevention and response.