Religion and Gender based violence

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between religion and gender based violence, focusing on the Islam. The results of the study indicated that there is no equal treatment of men and women within the Muslim community, and that Islamic teachings tended to promote inequalities and the hegemony of men over women and girl children. The findings of the study also indicated that gender based violence was quite prevalent in the Islamic communities and that gender based violence in Muslim societies is linked to inequalities between men and women. Paradoxically, the study also established that certain Islamic teachings can discourage gender based violence. The study recommended that relevant stakeholders like the government and gender activists should institute measures to promote gender equality in these communities. It further recommended that law enforcements agents should play a more active role in these communities to reduce gender based violence. It also underscored the need to educate the community on the dangers of gender based violence and to encourage the community and individuals to report such cases.