Counsellors urged to end harmful teachings

Traditional marriage counsellors in Mkushi District have been urged to review some long-held marriage teachings that are contributing to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) that put the lives of women and girls at risk. Speaking during a sensitisation meeting for male and female traditional marriage counsellors, Bwafwano Integrated Services Organization Programmes Manager Kataso Bambala said the Umweo Programme supports communities affected by GBV. Mr Bambala said while traditional marriage counselling plays an important role in preserving families, some teachings have become outdated and continue to expose women to abuse and health risks.

“A lot of our communities, especially women and girls, are affected by GBV, and one of the root causes we have identified is our traditional marriage teachings. Traditional marriage counselling is very important, but there are a lot of issues that are not helping women in some marriages,” he said. He cited teachings that encourage women to tolerate male infidelity, saying such beliefs have contributed to the spread of diseases and left many women vulnerable.

He added that findings by the organization indicate that many women feel pressured to remain silent even when they are abused because they were taught to be submissive and never question their husbands. Mr Bambala further noted that some male traditional marriage counsellors had acknowledged teaching men that they are superior to women and should dominate their wives. One of the male traditional counsellors, Ben Lupashi, admitted that traditional teachings often place men in a position of unquestionable authority.

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“Men are taught to be the head of the house and a woman cannot say anything. However, this authority has led to men being abusive and unfair to women. This tradition should be reduced, and women should be allowed to have a say in the home,” Mr Lupashi said.

And a female traditional marriage counsellor Jean Mwape said some marriage teachings have prevented women and girls from reporting abuse. “Women are taught to keep marriage secrets such that even if they are beaten or suffering, they remain quiet. Our girls should be taught to speak out when they are abused or treated unfairly,” she said.

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