We will speak out - Engaging Faith Leaders

A case study detailing ​‘We Will Speak Out’ (WWSO), a global coalition of Christian-based NGOs, churches and organizations, supported by an alliance of technical partners and individuals – chief among them Tearfund, a MenEngage Alliance member – who together commit themselves to see the end of sexual violence across communities around the world.

It highlights the strategic importance of empowering religious leaders to speak out, counsel, and challenge attitudes that perpetuate sexual violence and stigmatize survivors.

2. Who will find this resource useful?

This resource will be particularly useful for:

• Faith leaders and organizations: Provides practical insights and a proven model for addressing sexual violence within faith communities.
• Gender equality advocates and practitioners: Documents specialist experiences on engaging religious institutions and leaders in gender transformative work.
• Organizations working on preventing and responding to sexual violence: Demonstrates an effective approach to community engagement and attitude change.
• Researchers and academics: Offers valuable insights into the intersection of faith, gender, and violence prevention.
• Donors and policymakers: Highlights a successful model for investment and replication in efforts to end sexual violence.

3. About the authors

MenEngage Alliance is pleased to present this case study as part of a series intended to draw attention to our members’ work on community mobilization and faith-based approaches to gender justice. It was developed by the MenEngage Global Secretariat as part of a 2015 grant from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD).

4. Find out more

Click here to find more resources and information relating to faith-based approaches.