Religious leaders, civil society organizations, and legal experts gathered on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the conference hall of Youth Strong Cameroon to confront a growing but often hidden issue, gender-based violence (GBV) within faith communities.
The meeting, organized by the PEARL Foundation, marked a significant step towards building a national network of faith actors committed to promoting gender justice under the theme “Advancing Gender Justice through Faith-Based Engagements.”
“Sacred spaces are no longer always safe."
Speaking at the event, Nsono Josephine Nweimalu, founding coordinator of the PEARL Foundation, described the situation as both urgent and deeply concerning.
“Faith institutions are meant to be safe spaces,” she said. “But increasingly, we are seeing survivors of violence emerging from within these same spaces.”
She noted that many of the cases handled by the organization involve individuals who are active members of churches, mosques, or other religious communities, either as survivors or perpetrators. “There is no way to separate this issue from faith communities,” she added. “The question is how we respond to it.”
Questioning silence within faith structures
The child protector specialist and GBV advocate called for deeper reflection within religious institutions, particularly on how interpretations of sacred texts may influence attitudes towards gender roles and justice. “We are not questioning the scriptures,” she clarified. “We are asking how they are interpreted and applied, especially in situations where injustice is ignored.”
She cited the biblical account of Tamar as an example of unresolved injustice, warning that silence or inaction by leaders can have lasting consequences for communities. “When leaders fail to act, it sends a message,” she said. “And that message can perpetuate harm.”
A problem beyond one institution
Participants agreed that the scale of GBV within faith settings requires a collective response. According to Nsono Josephine, even large and well-structured religious institutions cannot tackle the issue alone, given its complexity and prevalence across communities.
The PEARL Foundation, whose work centers on protection, empowerment, advocacy, rehabilitation, and livelihood, has therefore prioritized partnerships. Its mission focuses on safeguarding children and young people, with a vision of a society where they can grow free from harm and reach their full potential.
Gaps in policy and access
For Boyo Maurine, co-founder and executive director of Youth Strong Cameroon, the challenge lies not only in the existence of policies but also in their accessibility and implementation. “In some faith institutions, policies exist but are not effectively used,” she said. “In others, they don’t exist at all.”
She added that many vulnerable individuals are unable to access information that could help them seek support. “If people cannot access these documents, they are left without guidance or protection,” she said.
Boyo Maurine stressed that gender justice is particularly urgent in contexts where abuse is often concealed. “Too many cases are swept under the carpet,” she said. “And it is usually the most vulnerable women and children who suffer.”
Legal accountability and prevention
Legal experts at the event also highlighted the need for accountability within faith communities. Lamago Tenguh Cyrille Francoise, a barrister and general coordinator of Fostering Initiatives for the Development of Advocacy (FIDAA), confirmed that several cases involving religious leaders have been prosecuted in the North-West region. “These cases show that no one is above the law,” she said.
At the same time, she emphasized the importance of balancing legal action with preventive and restorative approaches. “We must not only punish,” she said. “We must also understand, prevent, and support survivors in a humane way.”
Building a coordinated response
The newly formed network aims to strengthen collaboration between faith institutions, civil society, and legal actors. By improving referral systems, increasing awareness and promoting training, organizers hope to create safer environments within religious communities. “This is about working together,” said Barrister Françoise. “When we combine our efforts, we can provide more effective support and reduce these violations.”
A call to action
The initiative reflects a growing recognition that faith institutions play a crucial role in shaping social norms and can therefore be powerful agents of change. With its emphasis on child protection, advocacy, and inclusive community development, the PEARL Foundation is positioning itself at the forefront of this effort.
For Nsono Josephine Nweimalu, the message is clear that addressing gender-based violence within faith communities is not optional. “If our places of worship cannot guarantee safety and dignity,” she said, “then we must rethink how we are living out our values.”
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