Janet Mbugua calls for accountability from faith leaders in fight against gender-based violence
By Paulette Mboga, July 26, 2026Renowned media personality Janet Mbugua has called for greater accountability from faith leaders in the fight against gender-based violence.
She shared that after leaving a church service with many unanswered questions, she later found herself taking part in a discussion that addressed some of the issues she had been thinking about.
“In my previous video, I left a Church service (not the Church, there’s a difference), still holding many questions, with an ache for something more honest,” Janet Mbugua said on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
She explained that she later got the opportunity to moderate and serve as the MC at the International Gender Champions panel. Janet said the discussion focused on elevating female faith leaders in the fight against gender-based violence.
“So when I got to moderate and MC the International Gender Champions panel on elevating female faith leaders in the fight to end gender based violence, it felt like the universe was answering mine, and many other people’s, questions,” Janet Mbugua said.
She said the discussion gave her a chance to reflect on the role faith spaces can play in addressing gender-based violence. Janet explained that the conversation focused on action and responsibility rather than words alone.
Calling for action in faith spaces
“We talked about accountability. Not the kind that stays in a sermon or a statement, but the kind that shows up in policy, in protection, in who gets believed and who gets protected,” Janet Mbugua said.
She explained that faith spaces have influence and responsibility when dealing with issues affecting survivors. Janet said the discussion looked at whether that influence is being used to support survivors or protect institutions.
“Faith spaces hold so much power. The question is whether they’re using it to shield survivors or shield institutions,” Janet Mbugua said.
She said the conversation reminded her that there is still work to be done. Janet explained that asking difficult questions is part of finding better solutions and improving how people respond to gender-based violence.
“I don’t have all the answers yet. But I know the questions are getting louder, and so am I,” Janet Mbugua said.
She explained that she is still searching for answers but believes those conversations should continue. Janet said she will keep speaking about accountability and the role faith leaders can play in helping address gender-based violence.