Whilst not all leaders play the effective multiplier role that we are seeking, there have been numerous examples where leaders have subsequently worked with the LRF for the benefit of their constituents. Eleven people were referred from one Chief and in other instances leaders have requested additional workshops to reach more of their community. A man in his fifties managed to get a birth certificate after attending a one-day workshop, later reporting that the education sessions spurred him to take the necessary steps after he had appreciated the importance of such a document. After attending a traditional leaders’ workshop in Mutoko a chief called a meeting of headmen and village heads to warn them about unlawful practices and emphasised that they should conduct their work in line with the Traditional Leaders Act. He also spoke about changes in the law and advised them to be aware of the changing mindset of the people as they became increasingly aware of their rights as a result of programmes spearheaded by the LRF. The leaders, councillors and MPs have expressed appreciation for the growth in their own understanding of their role as elected officials “As a leader I will use the knowledge on human rights when mediating on disputes within my community.” “Thank you LRF, as a Councillor I am now legally literate as a result of this workshop. I am now able to lead others by example. We are now legal experts as a result of this meeting, let’s educate others if we get back to our respective areas.” “The programme is very good as it is often difficult for us to mobilise people given the fact that we do not have any resources. I am thus happy that I will be able to take note of my constituency’s concerns and when I contribute in parliament I will contribute from an informed point of view.” There has been evidence of the LRF’s education leading to positive behaviour change. One participant thanked the LRF for educating them on the Declaration of Rights. He confessed that he was in the habit of violating his wife’s rights unknowingly, that the workshop would become a turning point in his life, and that he would no longer oppress her as he had been doing in the name of culture and male chauvinism. A lady from Mutoko reported that her husband used to beat her. However, after having attended a workshop where she learnt that the law could protect her she gave our pamphlet on domestic violence to her husband. He read it and she said that from that time he had stopped beating her and instead they now talked things over and resolved issues amicably. Participants at a workshop 11

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