The Intersections of Religion and Gender-Based Violence: Perspectives from a Christian-Organised Empowerment Initiative in Thohoyandou, South Africa.

ABSTRACT: Recent research has shown religion as a very important element in understanding the

pervasiveness of gender-based violence (GBV) and the resilience of women to deal with the

phenomenon. While providing deeply intertwined cultural norms and societal attitudes that

help victims deal with GBV. Yet, GBV literature in South Africa has provided limited

analysis of the role of religion as a catalyst for dealing with gender-based violence (GBV).

This study proposes to address this research gap, by exploring the role of religion in

combatting gender-based violence, particularly within the context of a Christian-organised

empowerment centre in Thohoyandou, in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Employing

a qualitative research design, it proposes to gather semi-structured interview data from

religious administrators and the participants of the program, based on a snowball sampling

technique. The study potentially provides an opportunity to amplify GBV victims’ voices, as

well as provide materials for the government to reformulate policies that assist Gender-based

violence victims.