The Church as a key institution to combat SGBV
During the lockdown period, perpetrators of SGBV were confined with survivors. Men and women faced all sorts of abuses from their intimate partners. The local media reportage on SGBV issues revealed that +/- 5 cases were recorded during the initial 21 days lockdown. In response to this, DOMCCP supported the fight against Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Mutare District through sessions conducted by church members on the mainstream and social media platforms. The organization also worked with religious leaders to preach the gospel of peace at funerals. Through SASA! Faith, DOMCCP worked with 13 religious leaders across 10 wards of Mutare district to cascade information on SGBV to their faith communities. A non-discriminatory approach was used to bring the targeted churches on board. DOMCCP saw it vital to engage churches in the fight against SGBV as they were strategic institutions influential to effect social transformation. The collaboration between DOMCCP and churches in the fight against SGBV has seen cases of violence against women going down significantly in all churches participating in the project. The church has proven to be a sphere of influence where congregates can be empowered to deal with SGBV. This has also made churches more accountable and responsive to the needs of their members. Men now preach and interpret the bible in a manner that does not vilify and denigrate women. “SASA! Faith has empowered church members and religious leaders to desist from perpetuating gender inequality but promote justice, peace and dignity in intimate relationships”, said Ian Munhungewarwa the Programme Coordinator responsible for the project at
DOMCCP.