WOLREC Champions male focus groups in Chikwawa

The Women’s Legal Resources Centre (WOLREC) recently held male focus group sessions in Chikwawa, fostering conversations on balancing power by transforming attitudes and beliefs that discriminate against women and fuel violence.

The male focus group sessions were held under the 'socio-cultural approach to the empowerment of women and girls project', supported by Irish Aid through Trocaire.

The project applies the SASA! Faith approach to break the culture of silence around violence, particularly by engaging men and women through existing structures and spaces within faith communities.

Bishop Yohane Chimukali of The Vision of Christ Pentecostal Church of God stated that faith leaders have a responsibility to help people transform harmful behaviours into respectful and peaceful ways of living.

Community activist Alex Peter Malunga noted that violence against women in the district often takes subtle forms, such as women being excluded from leadership and denied fair benefits from farming activities.

He stressed: “Involving men in addressing such challenges promotes development and unity."

Concurring with Malunga, Area Development Committee Chairperson for T/A Masache Sebastian Chasauka commended the initiative, citing SASA! Faith approach as a key tool in challenging harmful cultural practices.

He said, “As a community, we are grateful to WOLREC for walking with us on this journey. We encourage them to continue strengthening this work.”