Evidence Chipadza
GWERU: Zimbabwe’s Women Bureau Gweru District in partnership with Women ‘s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCOZ), Young Women Christian Association (YWCA), Young Man Christian Association (YMCA), Musasa, Ebenezer, and Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRA) recently commemorated 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) at YWCA Gweru.
The 16 days of activism against GBV is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, running up to 10 December.
The celebrations were held under the theme “Orange the World:End Violence against women now!”
Representing Musasa Project, Agnes Muuya said inequalities are the main causes of GBV in societies.
“Inequalities that exist between men and women are escalating the cases of GBV, this is why women are still the victims of GBV. Anyone can be a victim of abuse, as Musasa we advocate for a peaceful resolution of conflicts because violence is not a solution,” said Muuya.
Unpacking the Marriage Bill in line with GBV, a legal expert, Mufaro Jonasi said women must be equipped on how the law works.
“It is important for women to be taught how laws that are set affect them because some women lose their properties which will, in turn, cause GBV,” said Jonasi.
Judith Chimuchenga a ZWB member said the Marriage Bill has pitfalls because it motivates men to engage in extramarital affairs.
“The bill is not right as it perpetuates an increase in violence cases even this bill must be amended,” said Chimuchenga.
Meanwhile GRRA Director, Cornelia Cornelia Seliphiwe said men are also victims of GBV though they are afraid to speak out.
“GBV cases are one-sided women are always the victims but the reality is men are also beaten but they have nowhere to go because they are always mocked when they speak out,” said Seliphiwe.
