For a long time, faith communities in the SADC region have supported women and young people to realize their potential. They have now joined hands to promote the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and young people, help girls in avoiding and dealing with teenage pregnancies, and to fight gender-based violence.

They have co-published three briefs to serve as a starting point for conversations and dialogues with people of faith. The interfaith briefs draw on faith traditions and scriptures, championing the values shared by all faiths – compassion, equality and dignity for all. They will promote knowledge and encourage supportive action.

14 faith institutions from countries throughout the SADC region have worked together to debate and achieve consensus in a series of interfaith dialogues. They invite additional faith institutions to sign onto these briefs, and amplify their reach and impact.

The institutions involved are Faith to Action Network, ACT Ubumbano, World Council of Churches, Methodist Church of Southern Africa, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa, Botswana Council of Churches, Conselho Cristao de Mocambique, Bahá’i Community of South Africa, We Will Speak Out South Africa, Apostolic Women Empowerment Trust, Zambia Network of Religious Leaders Living with or Personally affected by HIV and AIDS, Fatima Zahra (A.S.) Women’s Organization, Ubom’bam Luvuyo Traditional Healers Forum, CARITAS Zambia.