As staff and members of WWSOSA, we subscribe to the following values, principles and commitments, which we endorse and promote while also living them in our daily lives and work:
Values:
- We believe all people are created in God’s image;
- We respect and uphold the dignity of all people and the wider creation;
- We are guided by those most directly affected by Sexual & Gender Based Violence and Injustice;
- We believe that God is a God of Justice – and that we are called to work for justice;
- We are driven by a commitment to gender equality.
Principles:
Sexual violence is unacceptable, inexcusable and intolerable in all its manifestations.
- Importance of faith leaders and communities: From their platform within local communities, people of faith play a vital role in raising awareness, advocating against impunity and for survivors’ rights, challenging cultural gender norms and addressing related justice issues without fear or favour.
- Importance of survivor voices: WWSOSA aligns itself with survivors as key participants in guiding meaningful action at all levels.
- Do no harm: It is important to ensure that ‘no harm’ is brought to individuals and communities in all that we do.
- Equality and Inclusivity: We embrace diversity, seeking to treat all individuals with respect and dignity.
- Safe Space: Faith communities are called to be safe spaces for all, through ensuring, facilitating and promoting discussion of sensitive issues relating to sexual violence.
- Human rights-based approach: All individuals have the basic human right to be protected from violence and for justice to be served, according to the national laws and international UN declarations.
- Partnership/Mutual respect: Mutual partnership entails respecting those who have differing views, as long as they do not contradict WWSOSA’s principles and positions.
- Accountability and integrity: We seek to live out the values and principles of the kind of society we are striving for, in our lives and work places. The means is as important as the end.