Pastors have been called to take a front role in addressing issues of violence and gender inequality in their communities.
Pastor Benjamin Mbewe of Kasakula Assemblies of God said this during an all-male training organised by the Ntchisi Organisation for Youth and Development (NOYD) at Kasakula Teacher Development Centre (TDC) in Traditional Authority (T/A) Kasakula in Ntchisi District.
Mbewe said he believes churches have a major responsibility to teach people about gender-based violence and the need for equality between men and women.
One of the trainees, Luka Mphande from Kasakula Youth Network, described the training as timely and important, especially for young people.
Mphande noted that many acts of abuse are committed by young men and urged more organisations to bring such programs to rural areas where abuse is more frequent.
Project Officer for NOYD, Clement Stambuli, said the organisation is committed to supporting communities and local groups working to end violence against women and girls.
He explained that this is why the training specifically targeted men in leadership, to help them become agents of positive change
The training focused on educating men about the different forms of violence women and girls face, while promoting gender equality in how responsibilities are shared.
By Mtisunge Kagomo, Ntchisi
