WCC FEATURE: Local experience informs gender justice group reflections in Zimbabwe

The World Council of Churches (WCC) Gender Justice Reference Group engaged in a series of visits in Harare, Zimbabwe during its meeting in December.  Gender Justice Reference Group visit in Harare, Zimbabwe Photo:Gloria Charles/WCC 04 February 2025 Local church leaders shared candid reflections on the challenges within their communities—and how churches can be a source of accurate information, hope, and transformation. Gender Justice Reference Group participants were also invited to four different congregations, including Kuwadzana and Mfwakaz Lutheran Churches, Pinnacle Baptist Church, and the Orthodox Church in Zimbabwe. Serious challenges Pastors reported that some people view gender equality as a threat, even more so when resources are scarce, and this makes it difficult to engage men in gender justice conversations. In addition, cultural norms often separate duties between boys and girls. Traditionally, women cannot be chiefs or leaders, and often, economic struggles push women into sex work. These cultural norms also prevent women from reaching their full potential as leaders within churches. Even those who are ordained often can’t progress in their leadership as congregants feel uncomfortable, or even fearful of women leading men. Women may suffer a lack of self-esteem or even overt penalties for attempting leadership roles in the churches and communities. In some cases, women are even unable to support one another. Conversely, men are failing the traditional gendered expectations of providing for the family, because of the country's economic situation. With high divorce rates, church attendance among men is low yet men remain the leaders in the church. In addition, young people are leaving the church in droves. Gender Justice Reference Group visit in Harare, Zimbabwe Photo:Gloria Charles/WCC Growing hope But churches are actively working to improve these situations. Anglican Church leaders offered a report on how they have influenced church-level policy, presenting A Paper on Prospects of Women Ordination in the Diocese of Harare. Collectively, churches in Zimbabwe are acting in solidarity against gender-based violence. The Zimbabwe Council of Churches offers holistic services for survivors of gender-based violence, as well as resources and events to promote leadership and boost women’s self-esteem. In addition to visiting local churches, the WCC Gender Justice Reference Group visited the Musasa Women's Shelter Support Program to deepen understanding of the local context through dialogue and engagement. Musasa, whose name means “shelter,” is an organization protecting and supporting women survivors of gender-based violence. During their visit, the group engaged in a comprehensive program that included learning about Musasa’s initiatives, hearing stories of resilience, and understanding the critical services provided, such as counseling, legal support, and safe housing. The visit offered profound insight into the challenges faced by women in Zimbabwe and highlighted Musasa's transformative impact in fostering healing and empowerment. The Harare shelter stands out from the other 14 shelters as it serves as a referral center for the entire network, explained Priscah Fereti, shelter administrator. "Our shelter operates 24/7, even during the Christmas period," she said. "We provide a home to girls and women ages 17 to 70.” In 2024, the shelter supported over 700 women and their children. The nature of the cases varies, with sexual violence being the most prevalent, followed by physical, emotional, and economic abuse. Deepening partnerships During their pilgrimage in Harare, the WCC Gender Justice Reference Group was invited by the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and the Zimbabwe Council of Churches to witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organizations. This partnership marks a significant step toward advancing gender justice and fostering collaboration between faith-based and civic institutions in Zimbabwe. As the pilgrimage came to a close, a Just Talks session was held at the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, moderated by Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, WCC programme director for Public Witness and Diakonia, featuring Rt Rev. Lydia Neshangwe, president of the All Africa Conference of Churches; Michelle Chitando, Climate Change and Energy Programme lead at the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA); Dr Edwick Madzimure; executive director of Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) Zimbabwe; and Prof. Ezra Chitando– Knowledge Management Advisor at Faith to Action Network. Their insights enriched participants' understanding of the crucial role of gender justice within the Zimbabwean context. This session, along with the experiences shared throughout the visit, was both inspiring and thought-provoking. It showcased the progress made towards gender equity in Zimbabwe while also serving as a powerful reminder of the considerable work still required to achieve global gender justice. WCC Gender Justice Reference Group meets in Zimbabwe Photo gallery Learn more about the WCC work on Just Community of Women and Men “Just Talks” Session in Harare, Zimbabwe See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa.  Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland