The 2024 Gender Report, compiled by Open Doors’ global research team, draws attention to the marginalization of Christian women who live in countries ranked as the 50 most dangerous for Christian persecution.
The report highlights the oppression and violence they endure due to their gender and their faith in Christ, noting that forced marriage is a threat to Christian women and girls in an astounding 84% of the countries on the 2024 Open Doors World Watch List.
For example, in the Horn of Africa, young female Christian converts from a Muslim background can be forced into marriage to keep them from dishonoring their families for leaving the faith.
A regional expert notes that often they are forced to marry much older men. Sexual violence and forced marriage are employed as a means of intimidation and control, with these strategies targeted at preventing Christian women and girls from pursuing their faith in Christ.
The report identifies five primary “pressure points” for Christian women in these countries: forced marriage, sexual violence, physical violence, psychological violence and abduction.
The report notes that women are not only at higher risk due to their Christian faith in these countries but also face added risks because of their gender in environments fraught with violent insecurity.
Choosing to follow Jesus, researchers said, further elevates their vulnerability.