Human rights violations that occur at the intersection of gender equality and the freedom of religion or belief impact countless individuals and manifest themselves in a wide range of situations. Many such violations may be condoned in the name of neutrality or religion or defended as “manifestations” of religion. Human rights, including the right to freedom of religion or belief, of women and girls, men and boys and LGBTI+ may, at times, be restricted because of stereotyped perceptions of religion or belief and gender.
A holistic approach mandates, not least, a focus on the gender dimension of freedom of religion or belief, the impact of religion and acts presented as manifestations of religion or belief on human rights, and gender equality. However, the gender dimension of monitoring, while critical, is easily overlooked because the monitoring methodology is often assumed to be “gender neutral”. Yet, the gender perspective should be integrated into the entire monitoring process. This process includes interviewing, media monitoring, collecting information on legislative, judicial and practical developments – reporting and seeking corrective action.