Forced marriages and sexual violence, including kidnapping of young women by extremist groups for sex, are some of the human rights abuses faced by Christian women and girls in Southern Africa.
This is detailed in the 2024 gender-specific religious persecution report commissioned by Open Doors International and titled "Insecurity: The 2024 Gender Report". It reveals a shocking increase in the levels of persecution targeting this vulnerable group, fundamentally shaped by their gender and faith.
According to the report, Christian women and girls are more susceptible to multifaceted and complex forms of religious persecution compared to their male counterparts. They are particularly at risk of sexual violence and forced marriages, often hidden atrocities that occur behind closed doors. In contrast, men and boys endure visibly targeted physical violence that can be lethal.
Lynette Leibach, executive director of Open Doors Southern Africa, articulates the gravity of the situation: “Persecution doesn’t happen by chance – it is intentional, multi-layered and targeted to the perceived value of men, women and children in society to break down the religious minority.” Such systemic oppression is exacerbated by various socio-cultural factors prevalent within communities.
The findings of the report reveal that faith-based forced marriage is alarmingly prevalent, affecting Christian women and girls in 84% of the countries surveyed. In contexts like northern Cameroon, coercive "marriages" often take place alongside brutal sexual violence, with young women kidnapped by extremist groups and subjected to prolonged abuse disguised as customary practices.
Across other regions such as Mali, the DRC, and Kyrgyzstan, instances of bridal kidnapping highlight the grave human rights violations that occur under the guise of cultural practices. Girls are at risk of being abducted and forcibly married to soldiers, particularly those of different faiths.
While the report finds that male persecution tends to manifest as physical violence, psychological intimidation, or economic harassment, men in these communities also face unique threat profiles. In 39 out of 50 countries, Christian men are at a heightened risk of violent oppression tied to their faith, often targeting church leaders specifically for their role in guiding their communities.
This detailed analysis shows the variance in coping mechanisms and support systems available, revealing that male and female Christians endure different yet equally harrowing paths of suffering. The focus of persecution reflects broader societal perceptions of gender roles, which aggravate the ongoing crises faced by these communities.
The 2024 report also details how global violence, coupled with due socio-economic collapse and political instabilities, aggravates existing vulnerabilities for both Christian women and men. Marginalised groups, particularly women, are disproportionately affected, grappling with trauma, forced displacement, and ongoing threats to their well-being even when violent confrontations appear to compromise. Violence becomes endemic, leaving lasting scars that affect families for generations.
Through interviews and case studies with victims of persecution, Open Doors has meticulously gathered data revealing the harrowing experiences of Christian men and women around the world. These insights underline the urgency of recognising and responding to compassionate calls for justice, advocacy, and support for displaced and persecuted religious minorities.
Despite the evident risks, Leibach emphasizes the need for greater awareness and action to tackle the grim landscape of persecution. “These findings require action. It is essential to create awareness of the reality faced by marginalised Christians, especially women.”
