Moravian Hill Chapel Launches Anti-Gender-Based Violence Initiative During 16 Days of Activism Campaign

The Moravian Hill Chapel in South Africa has joined global efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV) by aligning with the 16 Days of Activism campaign. This annual observance, initiated in 1991 by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership at Rutgers University, runs from November 25 to December 10, with the theme “Orange the world: End violence against women now!” This year marks the campaign’s 30th anniversary, emphasizing the need for collective action against GBV.

In response to the campaign, the Anti Gender-based Violence Resource Group has been raising awareness about hate crimes against women within the congregation. The group’s mission includes spreading awareness, securing more resources, and educating the community about patriarchy and violations of women’s rights. The initiative was launched in June 2020 during the national lockdown, when the group’s founders identified a surge in sexual violence.

The group was founded by four women affiliated with the Moravian Theological Centre. Dr. Angeline Swart, former president of the Moravian Church in South Africa, and Elanor Slamat, a registered social worker, along with retired community nurse Lettice Joemath and entrepreneur Rozan Newfeldt, initiated the campaign. They conducted interviews with women in the church community and found that lockdown conditions had exacerbated sexual violence, prompting them to seek assistance from Ms. Slamat.

Ms. Joemath emphasized the importance of creating a safe space for families affected by violence. The group started with three women and two friends, eventually growing to include 15 participants, with four women serving as coordinators. They organized “Shadow Conversations” to explore why victims remain in abusive relationships and whether violent men can be taught to change their behavior. The group recognized that the church and religion are not inherently aligned with the issue of GBV, viewing it as a social construct rooted in patriarchy.

Jerome Slamat, a member of the church, described gender-based violence as an ancient sin that Christians must acknowledge. He expressed concern about the presence of survivors, bystanders, perpetrators, and instigators within the same church community, urging the congregation to identify and address the root causes of violence. The group’s efforts reflect a growing recognition within the Moravian Church of the need to confront GBV as a moral and social issue.

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