adminMangaliso Kabulika
FATHERS Against Abuse director, Alois Nyamazana, has called on church leaders to take an active role in combating gender-based violence (GBV) in their communities.
Speaking at the Unite Equality Expo in Harare, Nyamazana said church leaders have an influential role in fostering a culture of respect, equality and non-violence.
He also revealed that they trained and equipped 30 pastors with the necessary tools to address and prevent GBV in their communities.
“In Zimbabwe, 80 percent of the population is Christian and this means that a huge population is found in churches.
“Therefore, if they raise GBV awareness, a huge number of people will be reached.
“Church leaders are respected and if they use the influence, they have to preach the gospel of co-existence and anti-GBV, their congregations can adopt the message.
“Religion is part and parcel of human behaviour and it’s easier for pastors to facilitate positive behavioural change,” said Nyamazana.
Bongani Ndlovu
Mathew Masinge