Elizabeth Hoorn Petersen, Ph.D
Elizabeth Hoorn Petersen born and bred on the Cape Flats, holds a doctorate in Philosophy of Religious & Theological studies from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in South Africa. She is founder and Executive Director of the South African Faith and Family Institute (SAFFI) – a multi-faith non-profit est. in 2008 that seeks to strengthen the capacity of religious leaders and faith communities as they assist individuals and families vulnerable to and afflicted by gender-based violence (GBV). Her Master’s Degree in Social Work obtained from UWC, explored the challenges that clergy experience in addressing domestic violence. Elizabeth’s extensive work in the GBV sector since 1993, her faith commitment, church leadership and her inter-religious work experience with faith leaders across various religions (ATR, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Bahaí, Buddhist, and Brahma Kumaris, etc.), and various Christian denominations, enables her to bring these sectors together to critically engage the faith dimensions of GBV. She promotes the advancement of faith and culture as critical resources in the quest to prevent and eradicate GBV. She advances the cultivation of Ubuntu in intimate relationships and public leadership. Her influence reaches across religious and non-religious sectors in South Africa, the African continent and internationally. Elizabeth is a Hubert H Humphrey Fellowship alumni from the Hubert Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, USA. She served on various boards including St. Anne’s Homes (est. in 1904 it is the oldest shelter for women survivors of GBV in South Africa), and the Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM is a faith-based LGBTIQ+ non-profit). Currently Elizabeth serves as founding board member and trustee of the Desmond Tutu Centre for Religion and Social Justice at UWC. Email: elizabeth@saffi.org.za