Faith holds a central part in the lives of many women and men, shaping notions of gender and relationships. In the context of Brazil, faith groups hold a variety of views on matters of gender justice and women’s rights, from conservative to progressive, and shape public attitudes, legislation, as well as the lives of individuals and communities. This article is based on the long-standing experience of Christian Aid in Brazil working with progressive Christian churches and faith-based organisations towards gender justice. It tells two experiences of practical service delivery, advocacy, and pastoral care to fight violence against women in the city of São Paulo and the town of Ariquemes, in the Amazon region, against a context of growing religious conservatism in the country.

Article on Oxfam’s website