By Shem Oluchiri.
Accra, Ghana | 9 July 2025 – In a continued effort to mobilize faith communities to end sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), Faith to Action Network is pleased to announce a training and capacity-building workshop for faith actors in Ghana, starting July 9–10, 2025.
This regional initiative titled “Enhancing Understanding and Building Capacities of Faith Actors in Ghana on GBV” seeks to equip religious leaders with the tools and knowledge to recognize, prevent, and respond to gender-based violence -especially violence targeting women and people with disabilities.
The Role of Faith in Ending GBV
In many African contexts, religion is not just a belief system but the heartbeat of daily life. It shapes societal values, cultural norms, and personal behavior – making faith actors pivotal agents of social change. From pulpits to public policy, religious voices influence decisions across healthcare, education, and governance.
Unfortunately, the same cultural and religious frameworks that provide guidance can sometimes reinforce harmful gender norms. In Ghana, 1 in 4 women (24.4%) between the ages of 15-49 report experiencing physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner. These statistics underscore the urgency for action.
What the Training Will Deliver
Through this initiative, Faith to Action Network, in partnership with local organizations, aims to:
- Train 20 faith leaders on GBV prevention, survivor-centered care, and effective community response.
- Foster advocacy among faith leaders to support policies that protect GBV survivors.
- Enhance collaboration between faith-based institutions to coordinate local interventions.
- Build awareness within communities using faith-rooted messaging and campaigns.
The training will also include linkages to existing support services for survivors, and both pre- and post-evaluation will be conducted to assess knowledge gains and impact.
Long-Term Vision
This Ghana-based training is part of a broader, long-term commitment to eliminate SGBV in 11 West African countries by leveraging the influence of faith leaders. By equipping these actors with accurate information and supportive networks, the initiative aims to foster gender equality, inclusion, and non-violence.
Why This Matters
“Religion represents the pulse and rhythm of African life,” said a Faith to Action Network representative. “If we are to shift norms, reduce stigma, and promote justice, we must walk hand in hand with faith leaders who are already shaping the values of their communities.”
Get Involved
The Network invites partners, donors, and fellow advocates to support this initiative through participation, partnership, and amplification. Faith actors who are committed to promoting dignity, inclusion, and equality are welcome to join this transformative journey.
To learn more about this initiative or to collaborate, contact us at: info@faithtoactionetwork.org
