Christians get behind activism to end gender-based violence

Christians around the world are taking part in 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

The UN campaign got underway on Sunday and aims to raise awareness of violence against women and girls around the world.

The campaign is being supported by organisations like Tearfund and the World Council of Churches.

Tearfund partner Theresa Malila is working with community leaders and churches to end gender-based violence in Malawi.

"The church needs to be a threat to any injustice," she said. "Because if the church is representative of Christ, we need to see that in action."

The WCC has teamed up with the YWCA and World Student Christian Federation to produce a resource kit for churches to use during the 16 days.

The kit includes Bible studies, videos, prayers and activity ideas. They cover issues like domestic violence, human trafficking, and initiatives towards transformative masculinities.

“Justice and peace are key concerns linked with the strategic advocacy underlying these 16 Days of Activism," said Dr Fulata Lusungu Moyo, WCC programme executive for Women in Church and Society.

"It is a time for raising awareness in preparation for a paradigm shift away from the denial of women’s human rights."

Hear Theresa Malila speak here about how churches are responding to gender-based violence: