Violence against women remains a serious concern in many parts of the world. In Zambia, studies show that a significant number of married women experience controlling behaviours or physical violence, yet many never seek help or speak openly about what they endure. Recognizing that all people are image bearers of God—worthy of dignity, safety, and the freedom to use their gifts—World Renew partners with communities to address gender injustice and encourage healthier relationships and households.

Through World Renew’s local partner, the Reformed Church of Zambia (RCZ), Francisco took part in a community-based initiative led by RCZ’s Diaconia Department in Tenje village, in the Vubwi District. The project focused on topics such as gender justice, shared decision-making, and household wellbeing. While Francisco was later selected as a gender volunteer, his life before joining the project told a very different story.

Learning a New Way of Living

Francisco openly reflects on the impact his behaviour once had on his family:

“Before joining Diaconia in 2016, my life and way of living was not so pleasing and many times I offended my wife and children because I never understood anything concerning human rights and giving freedom to my wife and family. I used to drink a lot and many times would beat my wife. My wife never had a voice on anything in the family; I dictated everything according to my own understanding and liking. I decided alone on what to buy for the family and I controlled all the proceeds from our harvest such that my wife never knew how the money was used. I never cared about her wellbeing, rights or freedom.

When I joined Diaconia, I learned about farming as a business and other lessons. Gradually, I started to change after learning about gender and the need for families to work together.”

As the learning continued, Francisco began to see how attitudes about power and control affected not only his wife, but the wellbeing of the entire household.

“Lessons on gender opened up my mind because I now understand about sex roles and gender roles and how they impact on the welfare of my family. I realized that I must change for the better. I stopped drinking in 2018 and explained to my wife that now I will be a better husband and that we shall be doing everything together as a family.”

A Changed Home and Partnership

Francisco’s wife, Angela, describes how meaningful the change has been in her daily life:

“My husband has changed because he would beat me and never gave me freedom in the home.”

Smiling, she adds:

“We no longer face problems in our marriage as we do everything together. We budget together and I have a role to play in decision making in the family. I have access to resources and control how we must spend our money. We are equal partners.”

One small but symbolic change was the introduction of a shared cash box in their home. The box serves as a place to save money—but also as a commitment to transparency and joint decision-making. Angela explains that neither of them opens the box without the other present.

“We do everything as one and we have seen some changes in our family. We may not have everything, but the most basic things like salt and soap we always have, which we previously failed to have frequently because my husband used to drink a lot.”

Francisco’s transformation has also been noticed by others in his community. His brother affirms:

“It’s true, my brother used to drink a lot and beat his wife on many occasions such that they never had peace in their marriage.”

Becoming a Role Model of Change

Today, Francisco is recognized as a role model for change within his community. He now speaks openly about gender justice and respectful relationships, and he has committed himself to encouraging other men to reflect on their own behaviour. Seeing Angela as an image bearer of God, deserving of respect and partnership, has reshaped their family life—and influenced others who hear his story.

Francisco’s journey highlights how learning, accountability, and support can lead to meaningful change. His story continues to inspire conversations about ending gender injustice and building homes and communities marked by dignity, safety, and mutual respect.