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Contribution to Book
Combating Gender-Based Violence and Fostering Women’s Well-Being: Religion as a Tool for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Congo
Handbook of Research on Novel Practices and Current Successes in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (2021)
  • Grace Wamue-Ngare, Kenyatta University
  • Meg Warren, Western Washington University
  • Karen Torjesen, Claremont Graduate University
Abstract
Gender-based violence (GBV) and its threat to women’s well-being is an insidious and widespread challenge in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Cultural beliefs about gender roles and sexuality, and religious teachings on marriage, masculinity, and femininity make interventions on GBV in the DRC difficult. This chapter examines a faith-based intervention, ‘The Tamar Campaign’, which sought to align the strengths underpinning religion and culture. Findings revealed that participants of the Tamar Campaign reported 1) low prevalence of GBV four years after the intervention as compared to results of previous studies in the region, 2) positive effect of the intervention on marital satisfaction, and 3) engaging in activism alongside their family and community to combat GBV. This study thus offers initial evidence for faith-based interventions in not only reducing GBV, but also holistically improving women’s overall well-being.
Publication Date
2021
Citation Information
Grace Wamue-Ngare, Meg Warren and Karen Torjesen. "Combating Gender-Based Violence and Fostering Women’s Well-Being: Religion as a Tool for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Congo" Handbook of Research on Novel Practices and Current Successes in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (2021)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/meg-warren/46/