By Beverly Bizeki
The Reformed Church in Zimbabwe is moving with the times as its newly elected leadership
pushes for the introduction of women and youth quotas in church structures, following
concerns over the limited representation of women in top positions.
RCZ Moderator Rev Dr Ezekiel Baloyi said the new leadership wanted to develop a policy
that would promote greater inclusion of women and young people across the church’s
committees and leadership structures.
He made the remarks during an interview on the sidelines of the 34th Synod Assembly held
at Chibi Mission recently.
Rev Dr Baloyi said while the church had conducted peaceful elections, the composition of the
new moderamen highlighted the need for deliberate measures to improve gender
representation.
“We conducted our elections peacefully, but I encourage the church and leadership to
introduce a women’s quota in the future. The previous moderature had one female officer,
while the new moderamen has no female member. This means that masculinity is still taking
centre stage in the RCZ.
“My prayer is for us to have a policy that allows a women’s and youth quota in every
committee and leadership structure so that everyone is included in a modern church,” he said.
The proposed quotas would mark a shift towards more deliberate representation in the
church’s decision-making structures, with Rev Dr Baloyi saying inclusivity should extend
across all levels of leadership.
The new leadership is also considering the establishment of a disability desk to strengthen the
inclusion and representation of members living with disabilities.
Rev Dr Baloyi said the RCZ already had a strong connection with disability inclusion through
institutions such as Copota School for the Blind and Henry Murray School for the Deaf.
“The RCZ is one of the main churches that incorporates special schools, including Copota
School for the Blind and Henry Murray School for the Deaf. For that reason, we hope to
introduce a disability desk to ensure the continued inclusion of this group.
“We are happy that one of our pastors who is among the people with disabilities is a member
of the World Council of Churches, Rev Mary Chipoka Zenda. She represents us, the church
and the country as well. As leaders, we want to have that desk so that it continues to unite the
church,” said Rev Dr Baloyi.
RCZ Health Department Secretary Samuel Mhungu said the church already had a disability
policy aimed at promoting inclusion and equal participation.
He said the policy was being implemented in partnership with the World Council of Churches
and EDAN, a disability-focused network.
“The RCZ has a disability policy which aims at promoting inclusion, accessibility, equity and
participation, guided by the values of love, faith and hope.
“The policy is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind and also promotes equal
opportunities for persons with disabilities,” said Mhungu.
