By Dalphine Tagwireyi
In a shocking turn of events, women belonging to the Apostolic sect in Zimbabwe have taken matters into their own hands after losing over 600 children to measles in 2022.
Defying their religious doctrine, these brave women have formed a “secret” health group called the Apostolic Women Empowerment Trust (AWET) to tackle the dire health situation that has plagued their community.
The group deals with women’s and children’s health. As many births for underage girls have ended tragically, they felt the need to step up and take control.
With their religion’s doctrine forbidding vaccinating children and also visiting hospitals if members fall ill, women in the sect have decided to deviate from the church’s norms.
Speaking to Scrolla.Africa a Johane Marange church member, Alice Mhendambuya, 29, said that she had to be brave to save the life of her child. So she went ahead and secretly vaccinated her boy for polio and measles to avoid confrontation with her husband.
“What I did is against the church’s doctrine, but defying the teaching on how to take care of my own children was the first love I could show to my child,” Mhendambuya said.
“The sect is patriarchal to such an extent that no woman’s voice should be heard arguing with that of a man, especially your polygamous husband. We are being deprived of our rights and defying their doctrines is the only way to freedom.”
She said many children succumb to measles.
“It is sad that the church leaders are always adamant about their ways of dealing with diseases, however, they don’t always work and children are continuing to die,” she said.
Another Johane Masowe church member, Euritha Mazano, 39, said it’s important for them to seek health services but they have been hindered for a long time by the church’s rules.
“We are looking forward to uniting as women and ensuring health services are accessed as going to the hospital was the reason for divorce in some families,” she said.
Tendayi Gudo, the AWET national director, said that the organisation is fighting for health rights and the end of child marriages in Apostolic Faith Churches.
“It also advocates for the empowerment of young women so that they can participate in social and economic development processes in the country and ensure that their rights are advanced,” she said.
Gudo added that through AWET many women and children are increasing their immunisation uptake and they have found solace in education on vaccination against diseases.
Pictured above: Johane Masowe female members at a shrine during a church service
Image source: Supplied
