Violence against women in Zambia is rampant; 32% of married women are subject to controlling behaviours and 47% of married women have experienced violence by their spouse, yet 52% of women experiencing abuse never seek help or tell anyone about the violence they have endured. Understanding that all people are image bearers of God and therefore all entitled to live free from abuse, discrimination, and limitation of our unique gifts, World Renew has been working in communities in Zambia where gender injustice is prevalent to shine a light on the problem.

Through World Renew’s local partner Reformed Church of Zambia (RCZ), Francisco Phiri, participated in the RESET project implemented by RCZ’s Diaconia Department in Tenje village of Vubwi District. Participants in the project learned about gender justice and Francisco was soon chosen as a gender volunteer, but before the project he lived a lifestyle that went against the freedom and rights of women. 

Francisco admits,“Before joining Diaconia in 2016, my life and way of living was not so pleasing and many times I offended my wife and children because I never understood anything concerning human rights and giving freedom to my wife and family. I used to drink a lot and many times would beat my wife. My wife never had a voice on anything in the family; I dictated everything according to my own understanding and liking. I decided alone on what to buy for the family and I controlled all the proceeds from our harvest such that my wife never knew how the money was used. I never cared about her wellbeing, rights or freedom. When I joined Diaconia, I learned about farming as a business and other lessons. Gradually, I started to change after learning about gender and the need for families to work together.”

Francisco went on to explain, “Lessons on gender opened up my mind because I now understand about sex roles and gender roles and how they impact on the welfare of my family. I realized that I must change for the better. I stopped drinking in 2018 and explained to my wife that now I will be a better husband and that we shall be doing everything together as a family.”

Francisco’s wife, Angela, says, “My husband has changed because he would beat me and never gave me freedom in the home.” She smiles as she shares, “We no longer face problems in our marriage as we do everything together. We budget together and I have a role to play in decision making in the family. I have access to resources and control how we must spend our money. We are equal partners.”

Mrs. Phiri recently brought home a cash box. The cash box not only provides the couple a place to save their money, it also provides a way Francisco and his wife can work together to achieve goals and make decisions. Mrs. Phiri says that neither of them can open the cash box without telling the other. She gushes, “We do everything as one and we have seen some changes in our family. We may not have everything, but the most basic things like salt and soap we always have, which we previously failed to have frequently because my husband used to drink a lot.” 

Francisco’s brother confirms, “It’s true, my brother used to drink a lot and beat his wife on many occasions such that they never had peace in their marriage.”

Francisco Phiri is indeed a role model of change and he has promised to be a gender rights ambassador. He now sees Angela as an image bearer of God and deserving of respect. It is for this reason that when Diaconia wanted gender volunteers Francisco was chosen. His story of transformation inspires other men to change and helps in raising awareness of the importance of ending gender injustice and ensuring violent-free homes and communities in the journey towards thriving relationships, families, and communities.