Female Religious Leaders play a Crucial Role Against GBV: Mutsvangwa

The Minister of Women Affairs, Community Small and Medium Enterprise has hailed the female religious leaders for raising awareness against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) at a training workshop held in Harare today.

In her keynote address, Minister Monica Mutsvangwa who was the guest of honour implored people in Zimbabwe to love and empower each other through sharing experiences in the fight against gender-based violence.

"This training workshop is not only providing a platform to learn but also to empower each other through sharing experiences. As religious leaders in our faith communities, you hold unique and powerful position which strategically positions you to be able to address the pervasive issues of GBV. Your role allows you to influence attitudes, challenge harmful norms, and provide support to those affected by violence and your voices carry weight and your actions can inspire change. As such your involvement is crucial in addressing this vice" she said.


Mutsvagwa also noted that of late, the faith community has developed a culture of silence on matters of gender-based violence often attributing it to evil spirits. However, she added that now was the time for critical reflection on this position to change the perception and come up with practical solutions.

In her closing remarks, Honorable Senator Mutsvangwa challenged the women religious leaders to continuously engage with their congregants so that they open up when they fall victim of gender-based violence

"As leaders from various churches that you come from, you interact with congregants on a regular basis and this positions you as the first people to interact with survivors from your church and community because people have much faith in you. This makes your role key in providing not only immediate support but also in guiding survivors towards long-term recovery. You can provide safe spaces for survivors to share their stories and seek help that will promote healing, compassion and justice," she said.


National Vice Chairperson of Zimbabwe Women Empowerment(ZIWA), Pastor Egnes Sithole,
The National Vice Chairperson of Zimbabwe Women Empowerment(ZIWA), Pastor Egnes Sithole, implored Minister Mutsvangwa to empower women with projects that reduce gender-based violence and assist survivors.