The campaign to make men aware of the violence and abuse perpetuated against women and children and celebrating World Aids Day took another turn when men from Munna Ndi Nnyi Men’s Forum and the local community battled it out in a game of soccer.

The event, which brought together different stakeholders that included local traditional leaders, police crèches from different villages and women soccer teams, was recently held at the Tshifulanani Sports Grounds.

It was during the same event that disadvantaged children received Christmas gifts, organized by Munna Ndi Nnyi Mens Forum from donors like Legal Aid and Jet Stores Thohoyandou. Two ladies soccer teams, Munna Ndi Nnyi and Tony’s FC, also took part in the tournament.

Victims of abuse voluntarily narrated their horrific tales of abuse by their own spouses. Outlining the event, Mr Bardwell Mufunwaini, Munna Ndi Nnyi Men’s Forum´s chairperson, said it was important that men came together to seek ways on how to stop the continuing scourge of abuse and violence against women and children. “Abuse against women and children could be kicked away once and for all and this is the reason we decided to stage this game of soccer. Kicking the ball symbolizes kicking abuse and violence on women and children away. We want all men to do this in their communities and their families,” he said,

Mufunwaini said women and children had suffered enough, with some maimed and others scarred for life by the people they regard as their protectors. “We are here today, displaying that real men care for their families and that is the reason we are kicking abuse in full view of our traditional leaders and we will continue advocating this until all our women and children feel they are safe,” he said.

He said as an organization they had been involved in different campaigns, but felt that there was one thing that could bring men together, which was sport, and then they could share information during the games.

Local traditional leader Musanda Vho Funanani Nelwamondo hailed the campaign, saying it would go a long way in making more men realize the need to kick all forms of abuse and violence perpetuated against women once and for all. “We are greatly encouraged as traditional leaders about the strides taken by men during this campaign. Men have displayed the willingness to change from being abusers and be caring family members. We thank Munna Ndi Nnyi for coming up with such an initiative," he said.