About Us

Advancing Gender Justice Through Faith and Community Engagement

The Gender and Faith Network (GFN) is the localised chapter of the Side-by-Side Faith Movement for Gender Justice. The GFN is a network that brings different actors (organizations, technical partners and individuals) within the faith movement to work for gender justice in Zimbabwe.

The motivation for establishing the GFN was the realisation that actors within the faith movement had tremendous potential to contribute towards addressing challenges of gender inequality and gender-based violence. The network emerged in response to the pervasive issue of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) within faith communities and the silence or denial by church institutions. The intention was to create a safe space where faith actors could confront GBV, recognizing that both victims and perpetrators were often within congregations.

To manage duplication and strengthen collaboration the GFN also serves as the ACT Alliance Zimbabwe Gender Community of Practice. The faith community is strategically placed to play a leading role in advancing the cause for gender justice

GFN focuses on strengthening the capacity of faith institutions, empowering community leaders, and driving impactful advocacy that challenges harmful norms and promotes safe, inclusive environments. Through collaborative projects, training initiatives, community outreach, and evidence-based interventions, we support faith leaders to become champions of gender equality and agents of positive change.

As a network, we believe that faith has the power to heal, unite, and inspire transformation. By combining spiritual influence with technical expertise, GFN works to prevent Gender-Based Violence, protect human rights, amplify community voices, and build stronger, safer communities across Zimbabwe and beyond.

GFN LOGO
GFN LOGO

Partner With Us

Give with purpose. Your generosity helps us turn faith into action and transform lives across our communities.

DONATE

Our Mission

To be a safe, just, free and dignified Zimbabwean society where all women, men, girls and boys of diverse faiths live healthy and productive lives.

Our Vision

To be an active network that draws on the collective strengths and capacities of diverse Zimbabwean faith communities to achieve gender justice.

Our Values

Our core values are anchored on faith

  • Justice– Promoting gender equality rooted in spiritual and moral convictions.

 

  • Dignity– Upholding the inherent value of every individual as created in the image of God.

 

  • Integrity and Stewardship – Ensuring transparency, ethical, accountable conduct, and responsibility in all engagements.

GENDER & FAITH NETWORK

Our Operational Context

Zimbabwe has made considerable progress in promoting gender equality, particularly through the adoption of constitutional provisions that enshrine equal rights for women and men. These legal frameworks signal a national commitment to gender justice and social inclusion. However, a significant gap persists between policy and practice, with many women and girls still facing systemic barriers that limit their full participation in society.
One of the most visible indicators of this gap is in political representation.
Despite efforts to promote inclusivity, women remain underrepresented in decision-making spaces. As of February 2024, only 28.9% of parliamentary seats in Zimbabwe are occupied by women. This statistic reflects a broader trend of gender imbalance in political leadership, where cultural norms, political party dynamics, and socio-economic constraints continue to hinder women's meaningful participation in governance (unwomen.org).
Child marriage remains another pressing issue undermining the rights and wellbeing of girls in Zimbabwe. An estimated 33.7% of women aged 20 to 24 were married before reaching the age of 18. This high prevalence is a stark reminder of the deeply rooted socio-cultural practices and economic pressures that perpetuate early unions. It highlights the urgent need for more robust legal protections, community-based advocacy, and consistent enforcement mechanisms to safeguard children, particularly girls, from early and forced marriages (africa.unwomen.org; Afrobarometer).
The country also grapples with widespread gender-based violence (GBV), which continues to affect women and girls across all socio-economic backgrounds. Although national strategies have been developed to combat GBV, the scale and persistence of the issue point to implementation gaps. Tackling GBV effectively requires a multidimensional approach—strengthening institutional capacity, engaging communities, and working closely with faith-based organizations to challenge and transform harmful cultural and religious norms.
These challenges in Zimbabwe reflect broader gender dynamics seen across the African continent. Deep-seated gender disparities continue to restrict women’s rights and access to opportunities in numerous areas of life. Economically, women are overrepresented in the informal sector, where they often occupy precarious and poorly remunerated jobs. This economic marginalization is further exacerbated by limited access to financial services, credit, and entrepreneurial support, which constrains their capacity for self-reliance and economic empowerment
Education, a key driver of empowerment, remains unevenly accessed. Girls across many African countries face barriers such as early marriage, poverty, and rigid gender roles, all of which contribute to lower literacy rates and school completion levels among women. These educational deficits limit not only individual potential but also broader development outcomes.

Request a Call

WE'LL CALL YOU BACK

.......................

    Do you need Assistance?

    TALK TO US NOW

    We are here to listen, support, and walk with you. Whether you need guidance, information, or immediate help, our team is ready to respond with care and confidentiality.
    +263 (242) 702253
    info@gfnzw.org
    2nd Floor, Paget House. 82 Kwame Nkrumah Ave, Harare, Zimbabwe
    ABOUT US