Seven SASA! Faith trainers accredited

Seven SASA!Faith trainers from Malawi and Zimbabwe, have received their accreditation certificates at a colourful event that took place on Wednesday night in Blantyre.

Gracing the event organized by Trocaire, Women’s Legal Resources Centre (WOLREC) Executive Director Maggie Kathewera Banda called on faith leaders to use their influence to challenge gender-based violence and promote justice and equality in their communities.

Sasa! Faith empowers faith communities to address the root causes of violence against women and girls.

“SASA! Faith reminds us that faith communities can be powerful spaces for change — where the message of love, equality, and respect can take deep root and flourish,” she said.

She urged the accredited trainers to let the lessons they have learned be visible in their daily lives.

“Let your words, your choices, and your leadership reflect the spirit of SASA! Faith. Challenge harmful beliefs, stand with survivors, and help create environments where everyone — women, men, and children — can live free from violence and fear,” said Kathewera Banda.

She further commended the trainers for their courage in confronting issues of power, gender, and violence, describing their engagement as a reflection of commitment to transforming communities.

“Violence against women and girls is not just a private issue — it is a community, faith, and moral concern,” she said. “As people of faith, you are uniquely placed to speak out and act in ways that restore hope, justice, and healing.”

Trócaire Country Director Wamuyu Manyara echoed the call, saying the organisation’s work is grounded in justice and human dignity.

She said: “Our position is always on justice and the dignity of human life. We see gender-based violence as an issue of justice, and we try to address the power imbalances in communities for a more harmonious society.”

Manyara expressed hope that the newly accredited trainers will continue facilitating change in Malawi and Zimbabwe, extending impact beyond their immediate communities.

Ruvaraisha Tapera, one of the accredited trainers from Zimbabwe, described the training as enriching and pledged to share the knowledge and skills gained beyond her immediate community.

“As we go back to Zimbabwe, we hope to attract more partners who will also see the value that lies in the SASA! Faith methodology to push for gender justice and social norms transformation,” she said.

With funding from Irish Aid through Trocaire, WOLREC is implementing the Social Cultural Approach to the Empowerment of Women and Girls project in Chikwawa, where communities are engaged using SASA! Faith structures.