Al-Qalam 
Collaboration between faith communities, civil society organisations, and law enforcement is essential to ensuring justice for victims and preventing future violence, writes Imam Dr. A. Rashied Omar.
Credible statistics indicate that in South Africa, a woman is killed by an intimate partner every eight hours, making the country’s femicide rate five times higher than the global average. Adding to this grim reality, over 140 women are raped daily, according to the Medical Research Council. As South Africans, we must confront this grave crisis with urgency and collective responsibility.
This article is written in the context of the 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women and Children, an annual campaign that started from 25 November to 10 December. This global initiative calls on individuals, communities, and governments to address the scourge of gender-based violence and build safer societies.
The Moral Crisis and Need for Action
South Africa’s endemic violence against women and children highlights a loss of moral direction and humanity. Outrage and condemnation alone are insufficient; a coordinated and sustained effort is needed to address this crisis. Faith communities and civil society must lead a “tsunami of action” to combat gender-based violence, reclaiming our societal integrity and honour.
This call to action requires not just supporting women’s rights but addressing the roots of gender violence. Central to this struggle is achieving the full dignity of women. From an Islamic perspective, this struggle aligns with what I term the “gender jihad” – the pursuit of gender justice.
Qur’anic Principles and Gender Justice
The Qur’an unequivocally affirms the equality of women and men. Chapter 33, verse 35, highlights 10 virtues applicable equally to both genders, emphasizing their shared dignity and worth in the eyes of God:
“For men who surrender and women who surrender; for believing men and believing women… for men who are truthful and women who are truthful; for men who are patient and women who are patient… God has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.” (Q33:35)
This verse serves as a lens through which all other gender-related texts in the Qur’an should be interpreted, affirming that men and women are equally deserving of dignity, respect, and justice. Such teachings provide a powerful framework for addressing gender violence and fostering equality.
Faith Communities as Agents of Change
Religious leaders and faith communities are uniquely positioned to challenge patriarchal norms, promote gender justice, and protect women from violence. The Qur’an urges believers to stand firmly for justice, even when it challenges personal or societal biases (Chapter 4, verse 135). Similarly, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that a believer’s faith is reflected in their ethical conduct, particularly in treating women with dignity and honour.
By drawing on these principles, faith communities can lead campaigns against gender-based violence. This includes raising awareness, fostering ethical gender values, and addressing issues such as power imbalances and harmful norms within their congregations.
Societal and Institutional Reforms
Beyond religious interventions, societal change is imperative. The unjust patriarchal structures that perpetuate gender-based violence must be dismantled through education, advocacy, and legal reform. Practical measures include re-establishing specialized police units to handle rape cases, creating dedicated courts for gender-based crimes, and implementing stricter bail conditions for offenders.
Collaboration between faith communities, civil society organizations, and law enforcement is essential to ensuring justice for victims and preventing future violence. Public protests and awareness campaigns, while not a complete solution, can catalyse meaningful change by challenging societal complacency and prioritizing the rights and dignity of women and children.
The Role of Prayer and Action
Faith plays a dual role in combating gender-based violence—providing moral guidance and inspiring action. Prayer and supplication remind us of the need for humility and perseverance while reinforcing the importance of human agency. The Qur’an affirms this balance:
“The human being shall have nothing but that which it strives for. And soon they shall reap the fruits of their strivings” (Q53:39–40).
Prayer must be accompanied by concrete actions to ensure justice and protection for women. This combination of faith and activism can drive transformative social change.
Conclusion
Gender-based violence is not merely a social ill; it is a moral crisis that challenges our values and humanity. For people of faith, it is a test of our commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity. The 16 Days of Activism campaign reminds us that sustained effort is needed not only during these 16 days but throughout the year.
Together, through interfaith solidarity and sustained activism, we can build a society that respects and protects the rights of women and children. This struggle demands our attention every day. Ending the pandemic of gender-based violence requires both moral conviction and collective effort.
Let us rise to the challenge and stand firmly against this injustice, honouring our faith and humanity by creating a safer, more equitable world for all.
