Participants discussed their experiences in building partnerships between religious actors, civil society, policymakers, governments and multilaterals in advancing gender equality.

Key themes included:

• collaboration in repressive contexts,
• collaboration between parliaments and religious actors,
• interfaith dialogue,
• addressing backlash
• gender equality and
• peacebuilding

Caroline Kwamboka from African Renaissance Trust, underscored the importance of “building bridges between policymakers and those who lead through faith.” This event showcased how breaking down silos between secular and religious sectors amplify local voices, foster learning, and drive coordinated policy action. Dimitra Missira, co-lead of the Gender Equality and Empowerment Workstream of PaRD, emphasized:

This moment is crucial for women’s rights. … achieving SDG 5 requires a whole-of-society approach. … breaking down silos between the secular and religious sectors, governments, and the UN is not just possible—it is essential. These platforms enable multi-faith and multilateral partnerships that foster learning and policy coordination, amplify local voices in intergovernmental settings, ensuring all are heard.

Hosted by: Partnership on Development and Religion, including World Vision Canada, Muslim for Progressive Values and Faith to Action Network