Allen

http://allafrica.com/stories/201410161862.html

Anna Allen

The article I read about gender and religion was one addressing a meeting held on October 16, where leaders of both the Christian and Islamic faiths met to discuss domestic violence between married couples.  NGBV executive chairperson Njundu Drammeh addressed these leaders, stating that when there is trouble in marriage, it is their religious leaders to whom they turn for help and counsel.  With this being the case, they should be cognizant of these issues and willing to address them.  Drammeh argued that marriage should be sweet, and a religious experience; when issues such as violence enter into the marriage, this is no longer the case.  He also said that both genders being discussed should be present for the discussions, for it affects both husbands and wives.  Gambia Supreme Islamic Council representative, Imam Barham Jobe, argued the importance of dialogue in the marriage, stating that the man should engage in dialogue with his family in order to keep everything running smoothly in his house, and that issues such as violence occur when dialogue is not present.  Add the dialogue, and it will stop.  Furthermore, he stated that "if [religion was] followed, there would be nothing but peace and harmony."