The SOAR Project is undertaking the task of providing security training for women in and around places of worship. The increased attacks against places of worship have an effect on women. Coupled with the other security issues faces by these groups such as increased sexual, physical and misogynistic abuse faced by women, the work of the SOAR Project gains urgency and tailored attention.
The SOAR project is a European Commission (EU) funded project that stands for ‘Strengthening the security and resilience of at-risk religious sites and communities’ programme. The programme is looking to advance the protection and safeguarding of places of worship and communities in 7 countries across the EU (France, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Hungary, Netherlands, and Denmark) by providing tailored Training for religious communities, with a specific target groups such as: pow leadership, women, and youth.
The SOAR successfully delivered a Women and Youth Security training with women from the Jain Temple in Antwerp, Belgium to ensure that their security in and around places of worship is protected by providing 1 day security training and resources. The information and engagement was centered around the women’s experience within their place of worship and opening up a dialogue on their experiences, any concerns or safety issues and the role they want to take on to lead and help strengthen the security within their institution.
SOAR promotes interfaith collaboration and caters support to advance women’s safety and security capabilities via training for all faith communities alike. The training is open to: women from all faiths and ages with no prior security experience needed.
Training can be requested by submitting a request at this link.
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SOAR builds upon the European Commission’s 2020 strategy on increasing the protection of public places, including places of worship. The SOAR project’s consortium partners are led by Enhancing Faith Institutions (EFI), and include the Architects Council of Europe (ACE), Finn Church Aid (FCA), supported by the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC). The network of the partnership is extensive and includes representatives from all majority and minority faiths practicing within the EU.
