NEW: Church urged to champion girls’ rights

Malven Mugadzikwa

FAITH-BASED institutions have been challenged to take a decisive stand against abuse of adolescent girls and promote Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) education within their congregations and communities.

The call was made by Shamwari Yemwanasikana during a Churches Engagement Programme held in Chitungwiza on Wednesday, which brought together women from various churches to deliberate on SRHR challenges facing young girls.

Discussions centred on rising cases of unsafe backyard abortions in communities and tertiary institutions, as well as the role of the Church in raising awareness and providing support.

Shamwari Yemwanasikana director Ms Ekenia Chifamba said the initiative builds on the PACSESS project, which incorporates community-driven programmes such as Zunde Ramambo, Intergenerational Dandaro and Dare Ramambo, all aimed at sparking conversations around SRHR.

“We have engaged the Church because that is where many people meet, and the Church should help us spread SRHR information,” said Ms Chifamba.

She expressed concern that some churches have historically avoided addressing sexual and reproductive health issues, with serious abuse cases involving girls, including rape and incest, often being concealed.

“In most cases, the Church is not ready to discuss such issues. We are therefore calling on church leaders to lead the conversation on SRHR,” she said.

Ms Chifamba also underscored the responsibility of both the Church and parents in guiding young people on responsible use of mobile phones, warning that exposure to explicit content and peer pressure on digital platforms was pushing some girls into risky sexual activities.

She further condemned the rise in unsafe backyard abortions, warning of fatal consequences.

“In some extreme cases, girls are losing their lives because of illegal backyard abortions,” she added.

One of the church leaders at the event urged religious organisations to be more proactive in protecting girls.

“The Church has a critical role to play in ensuring the girl-child is protected from abuse. SRHR education is very critical because many girls are in danger. Some are being impregnated while still very young. We are emphasising that issues of rape and incest must be condemned, and the Church must take the lead,” she said.

Methodist Church in Zimbabwe Epworth Circuit superintendent Rev Dr Josias Mudenda said silence was no longer an option.

“As the Church, we cannot remain silent when the lives of our girls are at risk. We must be at the forefront of teaching values that protect them, while also addressing sensitive issues like sexual abuse, early pregnancies and unsafe abortions.

“Silence only fuels the problem. The Church must lead with courage and compassion,” he said.