The Evangelical Mission in Solidarity (EMS) has approved 13 projects and programmes addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and will support their implementation with a total of €110,000.

“Our joint struggle for gender justice and against gender-based violence is ongoing,” says Rev. Eleanor McCormick, Head of Department Programmes and Networks at EMS. “The projects selected will significantly reinforce these efforts in the next 12 months and build on the work and advocacy of the EMS International Women’s Network in recent years.”

 Diverse Approaches to Preventing Gender-Based Violence

The supported initiatives reflect the diverse realities in which EMS member churches, associations, and partner organizations work. They address gender-based violence through theological education, disability inclusion, leadership development, community engagement, and faith-based prevention strategies.

Equipping Future Church Leaders in Indonesia

One of the selected projects is being implemented by the Seminary for Theology and Philosophy of Eastern Indonesia in Makassar (Sekolah Tinggi Filsafat Theologia Indonesia Timur Makassar, STFT INTIM Makassar). A large number of EMS member churches have students studying and receiving training at this institution, giving strong reason to be hopeful about its future impact. 

The project will equip theology students and emerging church leaders with theological, ethical, and practical tools to strengthen gender justice within Indonesian churches and to address and prevent gender-based violence in their communities.

 Promoting Safety and Inclusion for Deaf Students in Jordan

In Jordan, the Holy Land Institute for the Deaf (HLID) addresses the intersecting vulnerabilities associated with gender, disability, and age.

Deaf students often face heightened risks due to communication barriers, social stigma related to disability, and limited access to information in Jordanian Sign Language. Girls with disabilities are particularly vulnerable, as they may experience both gender-based discrimination and exclusion linked to their disability.

Recognizing that a safe school environment requires the participation of all students, the project also engages hearing students in promoting respect, inclusion, and gender equality. Through accessible sign language-based education, Deaf students will gain knowledge about gender-based violence, personal safety, and their rights. The initiative further seeks to strengthen their confidence and practical skills to recognize unsafe situations, establish personal boundaries, seek support when needed, and contribute to a school culture grounded in mutual respect and safe reporting practices.

 Engaging Faith Communities in Prevention Efforts

While women and girls continue to be disproportionately affected by gender-based violence, men and boys are also shaped by social norms that often reinforce harmful concepts of masculinity, discourage emotional expression, and perpetuate silence around violence. At the same time, they can play a vital role as survivors, allies, bystanders, and agents of positive change.

Several of the supported projects therefore focus on prevention work and the transformation of harmful social and faith-based norms. Among them is an initiative of the Moravian Mission Society (HMH), which recognizes churches as trusted institutions that provide spiritual guidance, moral leadership, and social cohesion within communities.

A particular strength of the project is its structured faith-based GBV prevention model, which combines gender-responsive theology, positive masculinity engagement, and girls’ leadership development within church structures. By working through existing faith communities, the initiative aims to promote lasting behavioural change and contribute to safer and more equitable communities.

Building a Community of Practice

Beyond financial support, EMS seeks to strengthen collaboration among the organizations leading the 13 projects and programmes. During the implementation period, Rev. McCormick will convene a series of online meetings.

“Throughout 2026 and 2027, we will foster a community of care that enables project teams to share experiences, learn from one another, and strengthen our collective efforts to combat gender-based violence,” she says.

Through these investments and partnerships, EMS reaffirms its commitment to advancing gender justice and supporting locally led initiatives that address the root causes of gender-based violence in diverse cultural and faith contexts around the world.

Support this important work with your donation! 

By making a donation, you support EMS’s commitment to gender justice and its efforts to prevent and combat gender-based violence. Every contribution helps fund projects around the world that provide protection, raise awareness, and empower survivors and affected communities. In doing so, you help drive lasting change, prevent violence, and promote safer and more equitable communities.