‘Men must lead in gender equality’

Collen Murahwa

ARCHBISHOP Ezekiel Guti was a man who led by example, showing that men must be at the forefront in the quest for gender balance and equality in society.

He was a leader of the Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (ZAOGA) Forward in Faith for over 75 years before he passed away on July 5, 2023 at a ripe age of 100.

Under Apostle Guti’s leadership, ZAOGA became a beacon of hope in promoting gender equality in a male-dominated society.

He revolutionised the church by appointing many women into senior leadership positions. He, thus, broke gender stereotypes and opened up opportunities for women.

In fact, in one of his books, “Wise Men”, he said: “I specially dedicate this book to the ladies of ZAOGA Forward in Faith who, for years, have been crying for their husbands to be taught lessons on being a father, husband. They have been saying, ‘We women are in Grade Seven and our husbands are in Grade Zero’.”

He further dedicated the book “. . . to all the men who are married and wish to enjoy their marriage and their children, who seek to be a blessing and to be appreciated in the home . . .”

In his book titled “Does Your Marriage Look Like This?”, Apostle Guti said he was prompted to form Men of Integrity, among other groups, to teach men to embrace godly principles and help bring peace, understanding and stability to marriages.

“I pray that these organisations will continue to build up families and to be real home-makers. A responsible husband is a responsible citizen.”

Apostle Guti firmly believed that women have as much potential as men if given equal opportunities.

He boldly took steps to empower women, promoting them to the highest positions in his church, for example, as leaders of the various ministries.

His actions spoke louder than words, proving that men have an important role to play as champions of gender equality.

This spirit of inclusiveness and equality has trickled down to other spheres of ZAOGA, for instance, in music and the media.

Apostle Guti appointed women as worship leaders and hosts of television programmes. As such, he smashed stereotypes that worship-leading and broadcasting were male domains.

For many women in ZAOGA, Apostle Guti was a breath of fresh air, a male champion who used his position of power and privilege to give them a voice and platform to shine.

His embracement of gender equality spread beyond his church. He influenced other churches and society at large to do likewise.

Apostle Guti believed that progressive men understand that women’s empowerment and equality do not diminish their worth, but, instead, enrich relationships between the sexes and unleash the full potential of society.

Men should no longer view women as subservient or inferior, but as equals, with complementary strengths and capabilities.

The archbishop brought a system whereby male pastors in the church are co-pastors with their wives.

He believed a society cannot grow and develop if it suppresses half of its population.

Apostle Guti understood that men have a critical role to play in breaking the structural, institutional and cultural barriers that women encounter.

To him, this necessitated men to become more aware of gender biases within themselves and the need to act as role models for positive change.

Without action, words are meaningless. No wonder Apostle Guti led by example in busting gender stereotypes within ZAOGA. His unapologetic stance inspired both men and women, creating a ripple effect that is still being felt today.

Outside of ZAOGA, the archbishop remained an ardent advocate of gender equality.

He supported women in the public sector, urging fellow men to open up leadership positions for qualified women.

He mentored young men to develop an enlightened view of women, free from negative stereotypes and harmful notions of masculinity.

With his passing away, Apostle Guti has left a void that is difficult to fill.

His was a voice that boldly called for men to lead the way in gender equality, setting an example that others have sought to emulate.

In a society still grappling with toxic notions of masculinity, we desperately need more progressive men like Apostle Guti, who are willing to confront patriarchy head-on.

The time for action is now.

It is incumbent upon men in positions of power and privilege to take up the torch that Apostle Guti carried proudly, lest we remain stuck in the quagmire of gender inequity.

When history remembers our generation, will it say we seized the moment and used our influence for good, or that we remained silent bystanders as injustice prevailed?

The choice is ours alone to make.