Breaking the silence. The church's response to domestic Violence

I am the country director of Women Relief Services (formerly Gender Danger) Cameroon

Who we are

Women Relief Services (formerly Gender Danger) is a Cameroon born non-profit organization which organizes campaigns and training programs which are geared towards the health and safety of women in Africa. Our goal is to eradicate gender-based violence in African communities by working to promote the health and safety of women and girls living in culturally hostile environments. Our approaches are fashioned according to the uniqueness of each community we serve. We believe in using good tradition to change harmful traditions. Our driving force is the belief that health and security are fundamental catalysts to gender equality. We are on a mission to ensure that women and girls in the most relegated parts of Africa are equipped with the information and tools they need to break out of the dragnets of cultural oppression.

Problem to be solved

This is an initiative to eradicate domestic Violence within our community. This is a vice that has become rampant particularly in our churches.  We have a problem because many women who are victims cannot be able to make their voices heard for fear not to tarnish the image of the church as well as their husbands. As a result they prefer to bear the pain of an abusive husband in silence, some have  lost their lives in the process. 

Importance of this initiative

It's important because through our campaigns, seminars and workshops we will be able to get the voices of these women heard,thereby bringing into play possible solutions to their dillema 

Action Taken

It was in this light that we recently organized a workshop theme, Breaking the Silence.The Church's Response to domestic Violence. Our targeted audiance where clergymen drawn from various denominations.

We had guest speakers who enlightened the pastors on the strong need to ensure that this vice is eradicated from homes and the church at all cost. They have to sound it so loud. In this way we will be able to meet up with our goal