Zimbabwe’s religious community has come together in an unprecedented show of unity to champion women’s rights, setting aside denominational differences to promote dignity, protection and equality for women.
Coordinated by the Gender and Faith Network, churches ranging from apostolic sects and evangelical fellowships to traditional denominations held Purple Sabbath and Purple Sunday services over the weekend, delivering a clear message from the pulpit: gender justice is a spiritual and social obligation.
This historic mobilisation highlights the church’s growing role in national gender equality efforts, translating faith to advocacy and protection for women in line with Zimbabwe’s commitment to end gender-based violence and harmful practices.
Reverend Likhai Molife of the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe reminded congregants of the biblical reference to equality.
“There’s no Jew, there is no Greek, there is no woman, there is no man. We are all equal before God,” Molife said.
This was reinforced by Bishop Percy Kadziyanike of the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe.
“In the eyes of God, there is no variation in how He views a man and a woman, but He views them as His creation made in His own image,” he said.
He cited the biblical account of the daughters of Zelophehad, noting that God affirmed their inheritance rights through a “Ruling that is made permanent,” which “meant that in God’s eyes, justice was for men and women equally.”
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The calls for action were practical and direct.
Apostle Petunia Chiriseri of His Presence Ministries International urged the church to move beyond merely celebrating.
“Our faith must translate to advocacy. Our prayers must translate to protection,” she said.
Madzimai Charity Handinahama of the Union for the Development of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe said, “We should enrol our girl child in school... a child that is independent will always be a step ahead in life.”
Bishop Amon Madawo of the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe said churches should be places of refuge, empowerment, and transformation.
Bishop Never Muparutsa noted that clever leaders depend on women for success.
The initiative, coordinated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aligns with the 2021 High-Level Political Compact signed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the UN, traditional leaders, the private sector, civil society, development partners and churches.
UNDP resident representative Ayodele Odusola commended the religious mobilisation, noting that it is positive to see the church assume its important role on such a critical matter.
“The church remains the most influential entity, impacting not only social issues but all other facets of life,” he said.
With over 80% of Zimbabweans being Christian, the faith sector’s engagement is seen as critical in driving national transformation.
The activities were supported under the Sustaining the Gains programme, funded by the European Union and the Embassy of Switzerland, implemented under the guidance of the Women’s Affairs, Community, and Small and Medium Enterprise Development ministry.
