Right
Small

Religion, Culture and Tradition: Strengthening Efforts to Eradicate Violence against Women

Religion, culture and tradition 2013
Diverse Human Rights agreements and declarations affirm the rights and freedoms of all individuals, including rights to freedom of expression and freedom of religion. However, they also affirm the right to a life free of violence, and the duty of States, notwithstanding diverse cultures, religions and traditions, to fulfill their obligations.

All over the world, diverse anti-rights groups (including States and non-state actors) are increasingly using arguments based on religion, culture and tradition to justify violence and discrimination. This violence is particularly targeted against women, girls, ethnic and religious minorities, people who dissent from or challenge (or are deemed to be challenging) fundamentalist movements, and people expressing (or perceived to be expressing) non-normative gender identities and sexualities.

religion_culture_2013_red_2.jpg

Religion, culture and tradition are not homogeneous; on the contrary, there are always tensions, pluralism and diversity contained within. However, when powerful anti-rights forces claim ownership over an authentic interpretation of religion, culture or tradition, individuals (in particular those who are targeted because of their gender, ethnicity, religion and sexuality) are denied their fundamental rights. 

 

This resource was created (in collaboration and consultation with the credited individuals and organizations) to support the work of rights advocates working in international and regional spaces who are confronting opposition to their efforts using arguments based on religion, culture and tradition. 

Category
Primers
Region
Global
Source
AWID