By Shem Oluchiri.

Porto-Novo, Benin – June 19, 2025
Today, Faith to Action Network launched a 2-day national capacity-strengthening workshop for religious leaders and faith actors in Benin, that brought together Christians, Muslims and African Traditionalists under the regional project “Ma Foi_Justice Genre.” The workshop seeks to equip faith leaders to become champions in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) and advocates for the dignity and rights of women and girls.

In her powerful opening address, Ayoko Bahun Wilson, Program Coordinator for West Africa at Faith to Action Network, called for collective and urgent action by faith actors to dismantle harmful gender norms and amplify community-led solutions. The Ma Foi_Justice Genre project, active across 11 West African countries, creates critical spaces for dialogue, learning, and reflection within faith communities.

“We are gathered not just for a workshop but for a moral calling,” Ayoko said. “We must act together, as faith leaders, to end the injustices suffered by women and girls, and to restore dignity and hope where violence has left deep wounds.”

Ayoko acknowledged the tireless efforts of the Association des Eglises Evangéliques du Bénin (AEEB) and the NGO Espoir de la Famille, both active partners in Faith to Action Network. She reminded participants that the challenge of GBV is compounded by structural inequality, poverty, armed conflict, and entrenched patriarchal norms. Yet, amid these challenges, the solution is within reach:

“Violence against women and girls is not inevitable, it is preventable,” she affirmed. “And prevention starts with us, as spiritual guides, community influencers, and agents of peace.”

Faith as a Force for Healing and Justice

With faith leaders present in both urban centers and the most remote villages, their influence is unrivaled. Ayoko urged participants to harness this presence to foster safe spaces, speak out against injustice, and promote respectful, inclusive teachings.

The workshop’s goals are clear:

• Equip faith leaders with practical tools and knowledge to address GBV within their communities;
• Promote cross-faith dialogue and learning on the intersection of gender justice and religious teachings;
• Foster new alliances to drive sustainable, faith-led advocacy for women’s rights.

“Let us reimagine our role as not only spiritual leaders but as protectors of dignity, as stewards of peace, and as advocates for a world where every woman and girl is safe and free,” Ayoko emphasized.

Thursday in Black: A Global Campaign of Resistance and Solidarity

Concluding her remarks, Ayoko highlighted the symbolic importance of the day—Thursday—as part of the global “Thursday in Black” campaign. Every Thursday, people around the world wear black to raise awareness about sexual and gender-based violence.

“Wearing black on Thursdays is a sign of resistance and resilience. It’s a call to end violence in our homes, churches, schools, and streets,” she said. “Join this movement. Let the color black speak loudly for the dignity and safety of all.”

This workshop marks yet another step in Faith to Action Network’s ongoing commitment to empower religious actors to lead the charge for gender equality, social justice, and non-violence across the continent.