This toolkit results from the collaborative work of Working Group 3 of the SVRI “Faith & GBV Community of Practice.” The group consists of 325 members, diverse in terms of expertise, geographical location, religious affiliation, and occupation, encompassing researchers, academics, practitioners, faith actors, activists, policymakers, and private sector professionals. The working group focuses on GBV issues relevant to African countries that appear across religions, including female genital mutilation, child marriage, polygamy, levirate marriage, and restrictions on women’s economic or social rights. Working Group 3 aims to address two key questions: (1) How can faith actors and policymakers improve communication about GBV? (2) What are the primary barriers and best practices in these discussions? The group’s discussions and surveys/questionnaires informed the creation of practical tools and resources to promote meaningful conversations at the intersection of faith and GBV, fostering a deeper understanding of different perspectives, identifying sources of legitimacy, and uncovering common ground. Ultimately, the goal is to equip stakeholders with the tools to continue these conversations constructively and build respectful and long-term relationships.

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