The ManicaPost
Kudakwashe Chidziya Post Correspondent
CHURCHES in Manicaland have been urged to join the fight against sexual gender based violence (SGBV) which is on the rise in the province.
The Diocese of Mutare Community Care Programme (DOMCCP) recently engaged more than 20 religious leaders through start awareness support action (SASA!) Faith programme to influence them to be involved in the fight against the rising scourge.
SASA! Faith programme coordinator Mr Ian Munhungewarwa said religious leaders can help in the fight against SGBV.
“Many Zimbabweans are Christians. We want to reduce cases of SGBV using the content that these people already believe in. We are a peace loving country and we intend to enhance peace in our families, hence religious leaders as opinion leaders in our communities must play a leading role in fighting gender related conflicts,” he said.
Though most SGBV cases have been attributed to the socio-economic challenges, morality, beliefs and self-conduct have also been cited as push factors.
“Though factors like poverty and patriarch, among others, are contributing towards SGBV, there is need for people to change their self-conduct and beliefs,” said Mr Munhungewarwa.
Church leaders responded positively to the initiative and pledged to use their influence to reduce the scourge.
“We are committed to preach the gospel of peace and love. Happy families make a peaceful society. Violence in the home has far reaching consequences, even for the children.
As churches we have a mandate to make sure that our communities are peaceful, with less cases of violence in our homes,” said African Evangelical Church Bishop Cleopas Neshiri.
The engagement with church leaders was considered vital since churches are key institutions which can bring positive social transformation.
