From the field to ending Gender-Based Violence in refugee community

BY STEVE EPHRAEM

Athletes based in Tongogara Refugee Settlement in Chipinge have undertaken a major step to prevent and mitigate incidences of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in their community. This assurance was given during a two-day training workshop titled “Empowering coaches to build a GBV-free society through positive masculinity.”

The workshop that took place from 28-29 May 2025 and brought together fifteen coaches and mentors from diverse sports codes in the settlement was implemented by a development partner, Terre des hommes.

The goal of the training was to equip coaches with knowledge and life skills on how they can promote good behavior among their team members and other men to end GBV in the community. Coaches were empowered on how they can educate male athletes on treating women with respect.

Speaking after the training workshop, Sudi Aboke, a football coach from Muungano FC, shared their plan.

“We are now GBV ambassadors! We will organise campaigns to teach people about stopping violence. We also created a social media group where we can share ideas on how men can be better partners and fathers,” he said.

The workshop also listed key changes men must make to prevent GBV. These include stop forcing women to dress a certain way, avoid drugs and substance abuse, shun gambling, stop wasting time and stop using money to control women, but build trust and communicate better in relationships and also respect women’s culture and religion.