[7] They co-authored a 2017 paper entitled "HIV and AIDS, Gender Violence and Masculinities: A Case of South Africa" which examined a curriculum used by church going couples, finding there had been an increase in communication about sexuality and a decrease in gender based violence, but confirming a need to re-examine the theology of marriage in African churches.
In 1995, she presented their research findings on sexual harassment and rape on campus at the university and was the victim of violent attacks from students and staff in response,[10] for speaking about such a taboo topic.
[3] In August 2012, Phiri was appointed Associate General Secretary for Public Witness and Diakonia by the World Council of Churches.
[2] In 2017, she presented the "Fez Plan of Action" (Plan of Action for Religious Leaders and Actors to Prevent Incitement to Violence that Could Lead to Atrocity Crimes) to the United Nations in New York, saying that more women are needed in church leadership roles to prevent future atrocity crimes.
[12] In December 2017, Phiri was detained by Israeli authorities at Ben Gurion Airport for eight hours and refused entry to Israel for an ecumenical meeting in Jerusalem.
"[13] In October 2018, a Jerusalem administrative appeals court invalidated the state's decision to bar Phiri entry.
[16] In 2020 and 2021, Phiri has been involved in the WCC's publications on responding to the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and advocacy for vaccine equity.