Lifeway Community Church women’s month celebration tackles gender-based violence
Lifeway Community Church leads way in the struggle against GBV by offering women a platform to speak up.
Alexandra women gathered on 12th Avenue on Sunday to mark the end of women’s month on a powerful note. The event, hosted by Lifeway Community Church, formerly known as Alexandra Baptist Church, honoured the resilience of women, and focused on a myriad of issues women in society are grappling with, including gender-based violence (GBV).
Guest speaker Patience Sekgobela-Malapane highlighted some of the challenges women face daily. “Some are single mothers, some are battling with suicidal thoughts, and some have suffered abuse.”
Despite the multiple challenges she noted, the event significantly leaned towards the ailing issue of GBV. Brenda Mpenyana, from People Opposing Women Abuse (Powa), spoke about how GBV would sometimes go unreported in churches. “It is so unfortunate that abuse also happens in church. Still, not a lot of people are willing to invite Powa to their churches.”
Read more: Youth event breaks GBV silence in Alexandra
She recounted the tragic story of a woman abused by her husband, a churchgoer, whose suffering went ignored until her death. “After she passed away, [people] discovered that she was abused by her husband. Some of the people in the church knew, but they said nothing. We are here to make victims aware that help is available.”
Also read: Alexandra youth gather to tackle GBV’s hold on the community
Constance Mohlahlo, another Powa member, shared her harrowing experience of surviving sexual assault by seven men, followed by domestic abuse. Accused of infidelity by her husband, and battling depression and anxiety, she found empowerment through Powa, and eventually opened up about her struggles.
She also opened up about the negative impact of abuse on the victim’s self-esteem. “He used to say that I am ugly, and no one would love me. I saw that kills a woman’s self-esteem.” After leaving her abusive marriage, she started a business to uplift herself and other unemployed women.
Church leader Reverend Lionel Malebana said the event served as an example of how churches can empower women by giving them a platform to speak up, lead, and share their visions. “We thank our women for inviting Powa, just to teach other women to be able to speak out when they have marital problems.”
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