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'This
case study describes a two-year pilot project to engage local churches in
reflecting on gender issues in Zimbabwe and Burkina Faso. The programme worked
with local faith-based organisations and took a 'whole-life' approach,
discussing gender inequality and HIV within the wider context of relationships,
life skills and Christian life.
A
variety of interventions were used, including workshops for couples to develop
relationship and parenting skills, and training sessions to discuss issues with
local church leaders. Workshops were run by local facilitators who ensured that
their content was relevant to the situations and culture of those present.
By
taking a Biblical and relationship-based approach to gender, pastors and church
congregations have been able to openly discuss and debate cultural traditions
and social norms that have previously restricted both women and men from
reaching their full potential. For example, they have shown that the Bible
recognises that men and women were created equally, implying that marital sex
should be by mutual consent and in equal partnership.
There
were numerous impacts of these pilot projects: in both rural and urban groups,
people reported increased testing for HIV, changed behaviour in both men and
women, including a reduction in multiple or concurrent partners and increased
discussion within relationships about love and sexuality. In urban areas,
groups reported increased condom use. Couples said they experienced reduced
tension in the home, better communication, less aggressive arguments, improved
sex lives and a better relationship as a result of participating in the
programme.'
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