Image
© Albin Hillert/WCC

© Albin Hillert/WCC

Meeting under the theme of the International Women’s Day, #BeBoldforChange, the St Dorcas United Methodist Church Dzivarasekwa Circuit in Harare, Zimbabwe, brought together on 2 April diverse actors to recommit to the struggle for gender justice.

Senior church leaders, government officials and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), legal experts and other activists attended the event. The clarion call was for all people of goodwill to join hands in challenging sexual and gender-based violence, ending child marriage and promoting the health and well-being of women and young people.

The event was characterized by colour and vitality, with passionate calls for social transformation. The World Council of Churches Ecumenical HIV and AIDS Initiatives and Advocacy (WCC-EHAIA) southern office in Harare helped host the event.

The guest of honour, minister of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development, Nyasha Chikwinya, commended the church for striving to live up to the demands of the gospel by challenging harmful cultural values and norms. “Churches must be bold in order for them to contribute towards social transformation,” she declared. She noted that there was a need for churches to complement government efforts to ensure that women and girls enjoyed life in abundance.

This call was echoed by the member of parliament for the area, Omega Hungwe and the resident minister for Harare Province, Miriam Chikukwa.

Representatives of NGOs focusing on women’s and girl’s issues showcased their services at this event. They invited church leaders to partner with them in addressing harmful cultural practices that prevent women and girls from enjoying life in its fullness. They challenged churches to engage in life-giving theologies and practices. The Zimbabwe Republic Police informed participants that they were available to support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.

Padare/Enkundleni Men’s Forum on Gender also gave a solidarity message. “A man who is afraid of equality is not a real man,” they avowed. The formal programme included an exhibition where the various organisations provided additional information regarding their services.

Various church leaders expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to attend the event. Rev. Taurai Maforo said that by marking the International Women’s Day, the church had shown that it was determined to remain relevant to the struggles of women and men in society. “I have been profoundly challenged and I will redouble my efforts to be an agent of social transformation,” he said.

Other participants also appreciated the exhibition, noting that they were now more equipped with information relating to where to get assistance in response to sexual and gender-based violence, challenging child marriage and other issues.

With resources, the interface between church leaders and activists addressing sexual and gender-based violence and child marriage could be enhanced. Prof. Ezra Chitando of the WCC-EHAIA maintained that the event had confirmed his conviction that churches were strategically placed to be catalysts for change. He appreciated the active involvement of young people in the hosting of the event and expressed the hope that other denominations in Zimbabwe and other countries would be inspired to coordinate related activities in the future.

Ecumenical HIV and AIDS Initiatives and Advocacy (EHAIA)