Faith & Traditional Systems Engagement in Preventing Gender-Based Violence in Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, faith institutions and traditional community systems are deeply rooted in everyday life and play a vital role in shaping social values and behaviors. Religious leaders, elders, and customary structures are often the first point of trust for families and individuals, including survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). Engaging these systems is therefore essential to preventing GBV and strengthening community-based protection mechanisms.

Integrating GBV Prevention Messages into Faith and Cultural Practices

ENWS works with religious leaders and community elders to integrate GBV prevention messages into sermons, teachings, and community rituals. By grounding messages in faith values such as dignity, compassion, justice, and mutual respect, harmful norms can be challenged without undermining cultural or religious identities.

When faith and traditional leaders openly address GBV, it helps break silence, reduce stigma, and reinforce the message that violence against women and girls is unacceptable in any form. Their leadership plays a key role in shifting attitudes and promoting positive, non-violent social norms across communities.

Faith-Sensitive GBV Referral Pathways

In many Ethiopian communities, survivors of GBV first seek support from religious or traditional leaders. Recognizing this reality, ENWS supports the development of faith-sensitive GBV referral pathways that connect these leaders with formal health, psychosocial, legal, and protection services.

These referral pathways respect faith traditions while prioritizing survivor safety, confidentiality, and informed choice. Through capacity building and collaboration, ENWS ensures that faith and traditional leaders are equipped to respond ethically and to refer survivors to appropriate services, rather than relying on harmful practices such as forced reconciliation.

ENWS Commitment

Through engaging faith and traditional systems, ENWS strengthens community ownership of GBV prevention and response efforts in Ethiopia. By working hand in hand with religious leaders, elders, and service providers, ENWS promotes survivor-centered approaches, accountability, and lasting change, ensuring that communities become safer, more just, and more supportive for women and girls.