Andrew
Online Reporter
CHURCHES have been called upon to mainstream gender-based violence (GBV) in their activities, as part of efforts to address the scourge.
This follows concerns that some perpetrators of GBV were hiding behind religion.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail Online, on the sidelines of their Big Sunday Christmas Cheer Fund in Warren Park, St John Apostolic Church of the Whole World, information technology and publications director, Mr Ngoni Mariga, emphasised the need for apostolic churches to empower and protect the girl child.
St John Church is one of the biggest indigenous apostolic churches in Zimbabwe, with branches worldwide.
“As we wrap up the 16 Days of Activism against GBV, it is important for apostolic sects to reflect on their teachings and programs, to see if they have done anything positive for the girl child and women as a way of empowering them.
“We also call upon all churches to respect, empower and protect the rights of women, and not to take advantage of them when they are seeking help,” he said.
He said the church has come up with tailor-made programs to address issues of GBV among their congregants.
“We have made sure that boys as young as three years in Sunday school are taught the importance of respecting the opposite gender.
“Youths have also been urged to concentrate on their studies before they think of marriages to avoid quarrels that can lead – sometimes – to GBV,” he said.
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter