ECLF GENDER JUSTICE PROGRAM
Introduction
Ecumenical Church Leaders Forum (ECLF) is implementing a peacebuilding programme “Gender Justice in Peacebuilding for Social Transformation and Human Security” to address gender disparities and the related paucity of peace in Zimbabwe. The programme is being implemented in the city of Bulawayo, where it is being piloted, and will be rolled out to other parts of the country. The program is focusing on church and community leaders with the hope that, through various interactions with the society, the leaders will share the relevant knowledge and promote related behavioral change.
ECLF Gender Justice Methodology
Gender Transformative Approach (GTA)
- Gender Transformative Approach (GTA) -influences the change of attitudes, behavior and norms that are at the very core of unequal power relations and gender inequality.
- The core of a GTA is therefore changing these restrictive norms and the often unequal power relations that maintain these norms.
- The GTA will examine, question, and change harmful gender norms and imbalances of power as a means to contribute to gender equality in conflict prevention, as well as gender equality at all levels of the society.
- In conflict prevention GTA encourages critical awareness of gender roles, norms and power relations and their consequences in situations of violent conflict and war; questions and addresses harmful, inequitable gender norms and power relations and makes explicit the advantages of changing them;
- GTA empowers women/girls and people of diverse sexual identities; engages with boys and men on masculinities and gender equality
Goals
- Gender justice in communities for sustainable peace
- Promotion of peaceful societies where men act as agents for positive change and become allies in addressing gender injustices.
Objectives
- To familiarize targeted participants with current streams of thought developed to address deeply-rooted cultural preconceptions of gender definitions and pursue social transformation
- To strengthen the capacity of women and girls, men and boys in communities and churches for active participation in key peace processes such as dialogue and mediation.
- To sensitize boys and men on gender injustice and its role in the plight of women in conflict and peacebuilding processes and encourage them to be key positive change agents
- To support the creation of a conducive environment where men, youth and women can come together and dialogue on gender issues within the church and community, so as to positively influence their participation in promoting social peace the prevention of violence.
- To contribute to a more peaceful society where young men and women are actively involved in building, promoting, and maintaining peace.
Outcomes
- More female church leaders and young women participate as mediators and dialogue conveners in churches and community.
- Increased participation of boys and men in gender mainstreaming of peace processes.
- Improved social and community cohesion in churches and communities.
Sustainability
Peace clubs will be formed and capacitated so as to equip them to continue building the capacity of the church and the communities to mediate and resolve conflicts non-violently. Composition of the peace clubs will promote gender equitable representation with at least 50% of members being women. https://www.eclfz.org/eclf-gendered-response-covid19/