In August, the Finding Safety Project hosted its second annual Insights Forum on the theme Faith in Action: The Role of Religious Communities in the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

Held on Darug Country, the forum brought together faith leaders, government representatives, survivor advocates, and community practitioners to explore how religious communities can become more powerful partners in the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence — and in the support of survivors.

Opening Reflections & Grounding in Faith

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison and Member for Parramatta Donna Davis opened the event, acknowledging the urgent need to engage all sectors of society in addressing GBV. Turkan Aksoy, NSW Coordinator for Welcoming Cities, served as MC, guiding the day’s discussions with clarity and care.

Opening speakers included:

• Josephine Rechichi, Assistant Country Director at Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Australia, who spoke to the importance of partnerships in this work.

• Sara Muzamil, Finding Safety Project Manager, who offered a powerful reflection rooted in personal experience and highlighted the key role of faith leaders in both preventing and responding to violence.

• Dr. Tracy McEwan, theologian and sociologist, delivered the keynote address. She emphasised the moral responsibility of faith leaders to pursue justice and actively work to end sexual and gender-based violence in their communities.

Throughout the day, survivor-centred dialogue ensured the forum remained grounded in lived experience. Cultural performances — including Vietnamese music by Minh — added beauty, warmth, and a sense of solidarity.

Interfaith Dialogue in Action

Speakers and panellists from six major faith traditions — Anglicanism, Hinduism, Islam, Catholicism, Buddhism, and Presbyterianism — explored practical and theological approaches to violence prevention.

Panel 1: Religious Teachings & SGBV Prevention

• Rev. Nabil Zakhary – Toongabbie Presbyterian Church

• Venerable BomHyon Sunim – Mahayana Korean Buddhist Tradition

• Ghaith Krayem – Program Manager of Saving FACE, Muslim Women Australia

Panel 2: Survivor-Centred Dialogue

• Linda George – Counsellor & Family Therapist

• Osman Mah – Coach, educator, and entrepreneur

Panel 3: Faith & Community Leaders as Agents of Change

• Fr. Brett O’Neill, S.J. – Country Director of JRS Australia

• Imam Ahamed Abdu – Chair, Council of Imams NSW

• Pandit Siva Srinivasan – Hindu priest, Shirdi Sai Baba Temples

• Pandit Venkatraman Shastri – Shri Kamakshi Temple

Additional reflections were shared by Semakaleng Hinton, a Christian mental health professional with over 20 years’ experience, who spoke movingly about the long-term impacts of childhood abuse and the role of healing faith communities.

The day concluded with a spiritual reflection and meditation led by Tricia Casey, co-founder of Women of the Well and one of the original Soul Sisters. Her closing remarks invited participants into a shared space of healing, grounding, and hope.

A Call to Action

The Forum affirmed what many in the room already knew: that faith communities are not only places of spiritual growth, but also vital spaces for safety, belonging, and change. Across traditions, there was a shared commitment to stand with women and girls, challenge harmful norms, and embed justice in both theology and practice.

“The Forum reminded us that faith can be a source of strength — not silence — in the face of violence,” reflected Sara.

This event was organised by JRS Australia’s Finding Safety Project, which provides a women-only space for women on temporary visas to access support, build community, and find safety from violence.

Learn more about the Finding Safety Project here: https://aus.jrs.net/en/womens-space-finding-safety/