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By Nhau Mangirazi
HURUNGWE – Christians have been challenged to fight gender-based violence (GBV), and drug and substance abuse that is ‘diabolical’ and against uniting families, and communities.
United Apostolic Faith Church Archbishop Busani Sibanda made the remarks during a women’s conference at Kasimure business centre, Hurungwe East at the weekend.
Sibanda said gender-based violence and drug abuse remain a big challenge to society.
‘‘Gender-based violence and drug substance abuse are diabolical acts affecting us all. These are the two devils that women Christians must rise against and fight. It is a national cause and a big problem for our families and communities at large. Women take the burden of young people who are taking mutoriro or even some toxic substances called tumbwa. It is the same mother or wife who takes care of a husband smoking mbanje who may be violent at home,” said Sibanda.
He challenged women Christians to rise up to the occasion and fight for equality in a way that makes it peaceful.
The three-day conference was held under the theme Revivival Deborah Arise.
‘‘l challenge women to rise like biblical Deborah against all odds in rebuilding our homes and the nation. You have gone through the worst of the toughest times but you remain committed to a better family life that has good values and desires for the future. Keep praying for your family and nation at large. We need peace to prevail in our societies, ’’ he said.
Hurungwe Ward 6 councilor Smart Sengere who stood in for Resident Minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka appealed to the church to pray against sanctions so that the government can revive the economic crisis.
‘‘As the government, we are appealing to the church to pray for us to have sanctions imposed on the government removed. Given the chance, our economy will be changed for the better sooner than later,’’ said Sengere.
A majority of women came from Hurungwe while some members were drawn from across the country including those from Bikita, Rutenga, Beit Bridge, Murehwa, Gokwe, and Mount Darwin among other areas.
Hurungwe is one of the worst affected rural districts where at least 50 percent of women and girls have suffered from gender-based violence while early child marriages are rampant due to mining and farming.