A total of 87 interfaith leaders in Masvingo Province have been equipped with knowledge and skills to use towards addressing cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) at community level.
The training session which benefited faith leaders in Gutu and Bikita was coordinated by Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) under the Scaling Up Resilience Project.
The development has been commended for its strength and ability to protect young girls, women and to discourage gender-based violence in communities.
In a message shared, ZCC revealed that the training has been critical since interfaith leaders are community influencers and advocates for justice.
“Faith leaders are more than spiritual guides—they are community influencers, advocates for justice, and key players in the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). Recognizing this critical role, the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) trained 87 interfaith leaders in Gutu and Bikita under the Scaling Up Resilience Project.
“With their influence, faith leaders can break the silence on SGBV, transform attitudes, and lead community-driven solutions to protect vulnerable groups. A community free from violence starts with leaders who stand for justice and protection. Faith leaders have the power to change mindsets, inspire action, and restore hope for survivors of SGBV, “said ZCC
Meanwhile one of the parents Sheila Chikuni said that the development shows that fighting gender-based violence is improving across the nation saying that sometime ago cases of sexual violations were once suppressed in some churches or societies.
“We are happy because it is showing that these days human rights are being safeguarded. The training of interfaith leaders to deal with sexual and gender-based violence shows a step ahead in our communities especially towards protecting the girl child and women. I want to thank all the organizations that are working tirelessly towards eliminating harassment,” she said
One of the young girls Janet Mapuranga from Chitungwiza who shared her expressions said “If such a program moves around the whole country surely it is a good development especially to us as young girls because we will know that our rights are safe in communities even at church. Such knowledge is really key for the survival of communities,” she said
According to data that was once released, over a third of girls experience sexual violence before the age of 18 years.
According to the 2015 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey, in Zimbabwe about 1 in 3 women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence and about 1 in 4 women have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.
