The KwaZulu Natal engagement with religious leaders on gender-based violence witnessed meaningful inputs and contributions through deliberations. The engagement heard presentations from the CGE team, with the Deputy Chairperson Prabashni Subrayan-Naidoo sharing on the purpose of the engagement and the Provincial Manager, Zanele Ncwane providing the contextual overview. In the delivery of the purpose, DC Subrayan-Naidoo stated, "We are gathered here today because the CGE recognizes that GBVF is a serious issue in KZN. There are many unreported cases or incidents of GBV, particularly intimate partner violence and rape", further stressing that the CGE recognises the role religious leaders play in addressing social issues, promoting peace and fostering community development due to their trusted position within the community. In her contextual.overview on the state of gender-base violence in the province, Ncwane took the room through the meaning and structures of GBV, citing abuse such as financial, spiritual and emotional abuse. "It is in essence, a violation of the right to safety, dignity, equality, and bodily integrity", she continued. Ncwane continued to share cases of GBV perpetrated by leaders in the church, including tgat of a Pastor who raped over 13 children aged between ages 5 - 17. Thando Gasa of Umajaa addressed the room on the intersection of religion and Gender-Based Violence. Referencing the book of 2 Samuel 13:1-22, she brings to attention how the issue of GBV has been in existence since the beginning of time and how such scriptures are hardly read. She further spoke to how leaders use scripture and the pulpit to preach harmful messages through the misinterpretation and manipulation of scriptures. The engagement was also inclusive of groups discussions - Group 1 looked at Faith and Accountability, Group 2: Challenging Violent Interpretations to Restore the True Message of Faith and Group 3: Identifying Best Practices and Gaps All groups have feedback to the main plenary session on their respective discussions and these were further deliberated upon for clear resolutions and to cement the core messages. More sessions of this nature were called upon, it was advised that a follow-up session would also be needed to measure the progress of implementing the deliberated issues to build a more sustainable and healthy environment within the church.