Violence against women remains a harsh reality in many parts of the world. In Zambia, for example, nearly half of married women have experienced violence by a spouse. Grounded in the belief that all people are image bearers of God and therefore entitled to live free from abuse, World Renew works alongside local communities where gender injustice has become a normal part of daily life.

In partnership with the Reformed Church of Zambia (RCZ), World Renew supports initiatives that encourage healthier families, shared decision‑making, and respect between women and men. One such initiative took place in Tenje village, where lives—and attitudes—began to change.

Confronting Harmful Patterns

Through RCZ’s Diaconia Department, Francisco Phiri participated in a community project focused on gender justice and livelihoods. He was later selected as a gender volunteer, a role that stood in sharp contrast to the life he had been living prior to joining the program. Francisco admits:

“My 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 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 Francisco learned more about gender justice, he began to recognize how deeply his actions were affecting his family.

Choosing a Different Way Forward

“Lessons on gender opened up my mind because I now understand about sex roles and gender roles and how they impact the welfare of my family,” Francisco explains. “I realized that I must change … I stopped drinking and explained to my wife that now I will be a better husband.”

That change has been felt most clearly at home. Francisco’s wife, Angela, shares her experience with quiet joy:

“My husband has changed.” 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.”

Today, Francisco Phiri is recognized in his community as a role model and has committed himself to being a gender rights ambassador. He now sees Angela as an image bearer of God—worthy of dignity, partnership, and respect.

Joining Communities in Hope

Around the world, communities continue to face challenges linked to climate instability, economic pressure, and deeply rooted social norms. World Renew’s local partners walk alongside families as they work toward more just relationships, resilient livelihoods, and shared hope for the future.

You are invited to hold communities like those in Southern Africa in prayer—that rains would come in season, that families would have enough to eat, and that leaders would make wise decisions so the most vulnerable receive the support they need. May God’s peace guide households and communities everywhere as they pursue restoration and renewed relationships.