FAZ Partners with YWCA to Fight Gender-Based Violence
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has joined forces with the Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) to raise awareness about gender-based violence (GBV) in Zambia.
A team led by YWCA’s president, Patricia Mubanga, presented orange ribbons to FAZ’s deputy general secretary, John Msimuko, symbolizing the campaign’s launch across the country. Msimuko welcomed the initiative, highlighting football’s potential to reach a wide audience.
“Football is a national sport, and it attracts people from all walks of life,” he said. “The recent surge in women’s football makes it the perfect platform to raise awareness about GBV.”
Msimuko emphasized that football can be a powerful tool for social good, including tackling GBV, a major issue in Zambia. FAZ expressed their commitment to being a channel for the YWCA’s awareness campaign.
Msimuko urged the YWCA to consider including boys and men who suffer GBV but are hesitant to speak up.
“Men are also victims of GBV, but it’s less visible due to societal attitudes,” he said.
The YWCA, according to acting executive director Kaalu Mubita, plans to distribute orange wristbands to football clubs and offer expert services on GBV to footballers and their teams.
“This partnership stems from our prior discussions with FAZ regarding the women’s movement and GBV,” Mubita explained. “We want to collaborate to end this vice and provide support using our expertise.”
The orange wristbands are intended to raise awareness, with a particular focus on female footballers. Mubita highlighted YWCA’s commitment to gender equality and its focus on women, children, and girls.
Mubita emphasized the importance of raising awareness among female footballers and promoting child protection.
“Football players are seen as role models in their communities,” she said. “Through this partnership, they will be empowered to be ambassadors against GBV.”
The YWCA president reaffirmed their commitment to addressing GBV issues affecting boys and men as well.
Regina Chanda, a star player for Zanaco Ladies and the Zambian national women’s team (Copper Queens), expressed her gratitude for the FAZ-YWCA partnership. This collaboration will allow the YWCA to reach FAZ clubs and players with their GBV sensitization efforts.
