For all faiths across Europe
Places of worship such as churches, synagogues and mosques are uniquely vulnerable to attacks because of their symbolism and their open and accessible nature.
Women and young people in faith communities face specific security challenges. How can women and youth of faith protect themselves in online spaces? How can places of worship be protected so women and youth feel safe there? How can mental well-being of women and youth be promoted?
4 hours+
We take a lot of things for granted: the safety of our buildings, entrances […] Many of our pastors and elders in the churches are not aware that there could be [these kinds of] threats […] I was really impressed by the insights into these areas.
It was a very good training. I picked up a lot of good points […] Security is the responsibility of the people behind the place of worship, and we should take this as a top priority
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The need for Women and Youth training
30% of women aged 15 years and older have been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence – WHO
42% of the total number of homicides globally each year occur among youth aged 10-29 years old – WHO
According to the EU Fundamental Rights Agency, 44% of Jewish youth (16-34 years old) say they were a victim of antisemitic harassment. This result is 12% higher than their elders. Furthermore, 80% of young Jews do not report cases of harassment, which prevents the victim from receiving the necessary support, and leaves the perpetrator unpunished.
A European Journal of Jewish Studies study indicates that “Jewish men were more likely to experience anti-Semitic incidents”. However, it does not mean that Jewish women are unaffected. It is important to remember that on top of antisemitic incidents, Jewish women also face gender-based discrimination. This argument also applies to other religions as well.
According to ENAR, “[m]uslim women are the main targets of Islamophobic hate crime and speech, and violence, especially if they wear a headscarf”. This is also the case in France and The Netherlands where over 80% and 90% of Islamophobic reports came from Muslim women.
A survey conducted by the EU Fundamental Right Agency indicates that “Some 39% of Muslim women who wear a headscarf or niqab in public say they experienced […] inappropriate staring or offensive gestures due to this religious symbol; 22% experienced verbal insults or offensive comments; and 2% were physically attacked.”
A research report published by Immigrant council of Ireland found that “[y]oung Muslims participating in this research recalled their experiences of being excluded and indeed abused through discriminatory practices visited upon them by teachers, lecturers and classmates. These manifested as experiences of verbal abuse from classmates and staff; exclusionary practices in relation to the ability of female students to wear the hijab if they so choose; and a failure on the part of staff to address anti-Muslim racism in the classroom context.”
On 24 April 2022, a priest and a nun were attacked with a knife in a French church.
According to the Aid to the Church in Need organisation, women are often the target of discrimination among Christian minorities. According to Human Rights Professor, Michelle Clark, “[a]ttacks against Christian women have increased in number – and yes, it has something to do with religion. There is evidence that they are planned down to the last detail. More cases are being reported. But many cases are left unreported” (the study refers to Egypt). Furthermore, the academic claims that “[m]others and their children are a growing target group”.
Similarly, the OpenDoors charity, states that “[v]iolence against Christian women and girls continues to rise around the world – be that sexual, physical or psychological.” Moreover, the charity suggests that the prosecution of women is often hidden from law enforcement, society, family, and any other organisation.
Our Training
EFI seeks to address the challenges that women and youth face in the modern day, where hate crimes are more prevalent than ever.
Internal and external security, online and offline
EFI provides a training focused on women and youth, exploring both online and offline safety, helping to increase knowledge and understanding of potential security threats, and to improve personal and collective security.
The interactive training includes teaching, participant activities and discussions. It can be delivered in one session in places of worship, as well as to women and youth-led religious organizations and groups. Moreover, it can be delivered in-person or online. No prior security experience is needed, and trainings can be conducted for women and youth separately or with the groups combined.
Target audience
No prior security experience needed
Women of all ages and faiths
With supervisory or managerial responsibilities in places of worship
Youth of all genders and faiths
Between the ages of 15-29 years
Learning outcome
After the training, participants should:
- have a better understanding of potential security threats, and appropriate prevention and response measures;
- feel empowered to improve their personal security with practical solutions that can be adopted immediately.
