INERELA+ Zimbabwe and partner organization (Springs of Life) emphasized the importance of inclusive faith-based advocacy and human rights protection through a dialogue panel discussion, which took place at Impacting Christ International Ministries, Warren Park, Harare.
The dialogue, which was attended by a mix of participants that included Religious leaders, youth, traditional leaders, and INERELA+ partner (Springs of Life) representative, focused on faith, culture, and human rights.
During the dialogue, Religious leaders, human rights experts, and key population representatives shared perspectives, explored how cultural and religious narratives can both hinder and support human rights. Among participants were key population representatives who had the chance to share experiences, personal stories of stigma, discrimination, and resilience. 
Their stories were emotional, but at the same time, they created a powerful connection and challenged stereotypes among faith leaders. In support of the key populations’ experiences and stories, the workshop organisers distributed customised pamphlets to the participants, highlighting the need to uphold human rights. Before the end of the dialogue session, the facilitator promoted diversity, equality, and non-discriminatory interactions where key population representatives, youth, religious leaders, and traditional leaders were put into groups to discuss cultural practices that perpetuate exclusion; faith-based approaches to inclusion; and practical steps to reduce stigma in local communities. At the end of the dialogue, a working group was formed to draw and document key findings from the group discussions, and at the end, collectively.
Religious leaders through their church denominations present at the dialogue signed a public pledge to support human rights and dignity for all, including key populations, a symbolic act to reinforce accountability and future engagement leading to plans for follow-up meetings and joint community initiatives towards human rights awareness sessions in their churches, conferences and other faith based gatherings.