The Role of Ghanian Pentecostal-Charismatic Churches in Fighting Sexual Violence Against Women

This article critically explores the influential role Ghanaian Pentecostal-Charismatic churches can play in addressing sexual violence against women.Recognizing sexual violence as a pervasive societal issue with significant social repercussions, the study highlights the importance of implementing multifaceted interventions across legal, social, and religious domains.Given that Pentecostal-Charismatic Christians constitute over 31% of the Ghanaian population, the article advocates for leveraging these churches' extensive community engagement and spiritual authority to empower women and promote safer environments.It explores biblical narratives that highlight power asymmetries and their ongoing manifestations within Ghanaian contexts, including in workplaces, educational institutions, families, and religious settings.Despite challenges such as victim-blaming and inadequate handling of abuse cases within church communities, Pentecostal congregations possess unique resources, including spiritual, social, and advocacy platforms, that can be mobilized to support survivors.The concept of empow-Salubritas 5 (2026) 53-75 © Author(s) 2026 54 Salubritas 5 (2026)erment, grounded in Pentecostal theology, is proposed as a central strategic approach, aiming to equip women spiritually, economically, and socially to resist exploitation.The article highlights the potential of churches to act as transformative agents by raising awareness, fostering accountability, and cultivating a culture of zero tolerance toward sexual violence.Ultimately, it urges Ghanaian Pentecostals to fulfill their biblical mandate by actively leading societal change that advances gender justice and human dignity.