FAZ Teams Up With YWCA In Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has partnered with the Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) to raise awareness about issues concerning gender-based violence.

A delegation from YWCA, headed by its national president Patricia Mubanga, presented orange ribbons to FAZ's deputy general secretary John Msimuko as part of the nationwide campaign. Msimuko praised YWCA's efforts in leading the drive for awareness of gender-based violence.

“Football is a national sport, it includes interest from across the spectrum of our country. Most recently, the growth in women’s football has been exponential. It provides the perfect platform to use as a way of spreading awareness,” he said. “Football can be a tool to benefit society in many things and of course the issue of GBV which is one of the big problems we have as a country can benefit from that.”

YWCA acting Executive Director Kailua Mubita noted the wide audience that footballers have in order to spread awareness about the issue. “We would like to create awareness among our female footballers on issues of gender-based violence and also on issues of child protection because we know that football is a game that cuts across all community members,” she said. “Football players tend to be ambassadors in their own right. They do come from communities where they have a huge following.”

Copper Queens forward Regina Chanda thanked YWCA for their partnership with FAZ.

Msimuko also encouraged activists to support men and boys who suffer abuse but may feel ashamed to come forward with their experiences.