Leveraging faith-leaders to prevent violence against women and girls: A qualitative study of evangelical faith-leaders' perceptions in Woliso, Ethiopia.
<h4>Background</h4>Violence against women and girls (VAWG) affects 1 in 3 women globally. Religion can be both a driver and a potential solution for VAWG. Evidence suggests that faith-leaders can create positive change around VAWG and improve ideas of gender equality, but it is critical...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
2025-01-01
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| Series: | PLOS Global Public Health |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0003301 |
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| Summary: | <h4>Background</h4>Violence against women and girls (VAWG) affects 1 in 3 women globally. Religion can be both a driver and a potential solution for VAWG. Evidence suggests that faith-leaders can create positive change around VAWG and improve ideas of gender equality, but it is critical to have a context-specific understanding of existing awareness. In Ethiopia, Evangelical faith-leaders' perceptions of VAWG have not been studied.<h4>Aim</h4>To increase understanding of Evangelical faith-leaders' perceptions of gender equality and VAWG and their views on how they can address VAWG, in Woliso, Ethiopia.<h4>Methods</h4>A qualitative study design drawing on 14 semi-structured interviews and observational data from workshops with Evangelical faith-leaders that explored their views on gender equality and VAWG. An inductive reflexive thematic analysis approach was used.<h4>Results</h4>The data analysis generated 4 themes, 8 sub-themes, and 22 categories. The themes include: (1) differing perceptions of VAWG as a problem in the community; (2) navigating between social and religious norms as explanations of VAWG; (3) differing interpretations of biblical scripture; and (4) navigating who has a role in countering gender inequality and VAWG. Many faith-leaders condemned forms of VAWG and expressed hopes for equality, but some failed to grasp all elements of VAWG and utilized religious reasoning to justify VAWG. The majority of faith-leaders expressed an interest in increasing awareness and held hopes for improved gender equality.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Faith-leaders hold different understandings of what constitutes VAWG. Faith-leaders' hopes for equality and their willingness to address VAWG indicates the potential of faith-leaders as important actors in VAWG prevention efforts. Yet, trainings and support are critical. |
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| ISSN: | 2767-3375 |