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Violence against women in Zambia is rampant; 47% of married women have experienced violence by their spouse. Understanding that all people are image bearers of God and therefore all entitled to live free from any form of abuse, World Renew has been working in communities in Zambia where gender injustice is prevalent.

Through World Renew’s local partner Reformed Church of Zambia (RCZ), Francisco Phiri participated in a project implemented by RCZ’s Diaconia Department in Tenje village. 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, “My 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 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 the welfare of my family. I realized that I must change … I stopped drinking and explained to my wife that now I will be a better husband.”

Francisco’s wife, Angela, says, “My husband has changed.” 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.”

Francisco Phiri is 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.

• Pray for weather systems that bring enough rain so crops flourish and produce bountiful harvests in the coming months, especially in the areas that have struggled with drought.
• In Zambia, communities are reaching out for support after seeing the impacts of our partners’ programs in neighbouring villages. Praise God for continuing funds that enable us to share hope with more vulnerable communities.
• As increasing food prices cause uncertainty globally, may God’s peace reign over Southern Africa and guide governments to make the right choices so those who need the most support receive it.