From 19-23 August 2024, a planning workshop to tackle gender injustice and gender-based violence (GBV) in Zambia was held in Lusaka. This initiative marks a step towards fostering gender justice and zero GBV. The workshop, organised by the Zambia Anglican Council Outreach Programme (ZACOP) and USPG, brought together representatives from the five dioceses of the Zambia Anglican Council encompassing priests, lay leaders, ministry leaders, and diocesan staff.
During the workshop participants discussed gender justice from a biblical perspective, before analysing GBV within their communities, and analysing the successes and challenges of the work so far.
The workshop was officially opened by The Rt Revd Dr Albert Chama, Bishop of Lusaka diocese and Primate of the Church Province of Central Africa. He expressed delight in hosting a workshop to expand the Gender Transformative Justice Programme across all dioceses.
"As the Primate of Central Africa, he hopes to embed this initiative throughout the province. He affirmed USPG's decade-long support and envisions the next phase focusing on critical issues to elevate the Anglican Church's role in gender justice."
“I am delighted to host this business planning workshop as Bishop of Lusaka that is aimed at changing the trajectory of the Gender Transformative Justice Programme in the Diocese of Lusaka and scaling it up to all the dioceses."
"As the Primate of the Province of Central Africa, I am eager to see how this can become embedded into the entire Province and transform the role of the Church in approaching gender justice issues for the betterment of the Church and community."
"I acknowledge USPG as a Partner who supported the implementation of gender justice programmes in Luapula and Lusaka for over ten years now. I am happy to note that you are all here to redesign the next phase looking at the length of partnership that has existed, therefore we envision that the next programme should be at a higher level with a focus on the most critical issue that can raise the profile of the Anglican Church on Gender issues."
"All of you participants have been carefully selected to be participants, take note that as a Church we attach great importance to this program especially since in this season we are also going to host the conference on the safe church."
“Gender equality is a pressing issue today, and the role of the church in addressing this matter is crucial. Churches, as places of worship and community gatherings, have a unique position to influence beliefs and behaviours among their congregants."
"Throughout scripture there is a robust foundation for advocating gender justice and equality. I believe that promoting gender equality aligns with the fundamental principles of Christianity which emphasise love, justice, and equality before God. In the Anglican Church, we are committed to ensuring that our churches become a living witness to our belief that women and men are equally made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). We recognize that the empowerment of women and men to live and work in just relationships requires a transformation among individuals and in all our communities.”
"But the reality on the ground is very different. Reports show an alarming increase of GBV cases from 25,121 in 2019 to 42,965 in 2023. Lusaka reported the most cases, with 7778, followed by the Copperbelt with 4515, and the Northern province with 622."
"These alarming levels call for combined efforts from the government, the church, community leaders, and citizens to combat this vice and bring peace and unity to homes, communities, and the nation at large."
“The need is immense. We need to strengthen the Church's intervention in giving a voice to the voiceless and vulnerable, whilst also equipping our churches to pray and call out the evil of GBV. By being a haven for victims and a voice against injustice, we reflect Christ's love and compassion.” Bishop of Lusaka
The Rt Revd Dr Albert Chama urged the Church to address gender imbalances within its own structures, as tragically power disparities within parish structures can lead to abuse. Additionally, he called for more church leaders to engage with youth on gender issues, creating safe and interactive spaces for discussion.
USPG and ZACOP continue to work together to enhance the Church's profile by developing leaders who are well-informed and equipped to address gender justice issues, aiming to close gaps and build bridges for transformative change.
The USPG contribution to the gender justice business planning process represents the culmination of over 10 years of dedicated efforts within the Church Province of Central Africa on energising church and community and championing justice.
This article was written by Fran Mate.