About JISRA

The Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA) is a partnership of 50 civil society organisations based in Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iraq, Kenya, Mali, Nigeria and Uganda (with supporting lobby and advocacy in Europe and the USA). This international, interreligious partnership is implementing a five-year programme (2021-2025) in partnership with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to further peaceful and just societies where all enjoy Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB). 

The basis of the programme is JISRA’s conviction that Freedom of Religion and Belief and interfaith dialogue are essential and integral to the realisation of peaceful and just societies. In addition, diverse religious actors, including women and youth, can and need to play an important role in this process as change makers. JISRA believes their voices must be heard.

That is why JISRA stimulates positive forces within and between religious communities for more peaceful and inclusive societies. From the word 'jisr' which means bridge in Arabic, JISRA leverages the constructive role of religious actors. This programme addresses harmful norms and narratives within religious communities, stimulates cooperation between religions and shows that different religious traditions can come together in a common vision for a better and fairer society. JISRA pays special attention to increasing the role of women and youth in setting the vision and solutions to advancing FoRB and promoting youth and women’s participation in decision-making fora. 

Rooted in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Freedom of Religion and Belief, JISRA contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies) and Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls).