By Vimbainanshe Masoso
Violence against women is a global problem and it requires global action and spotlighting.
This year, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an annual international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls, is running under the theme, ‘UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls.’ the 16 Days starts on November 25 the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and runs to 10 December the Human Rights Day.
Commenting on this year’s theme Rumbidzai Yasini who is a gender champion said the theme unites various partners, including UN agencies, civil society, community leaders, political leaders, sports associations, youth groups, universities and schools against gender-based violence.
“…they are encouraged to coordinate orange events and activities to promote women’s rights and also raising awareness.
“One in three women experience violence during their lifetime, and in time of disasters such as the Covid 19 pandemic the risk rises. Women affected by disasters are 50% more likely to experience domestic violence,” Yasini expressed.
She further stated that violence against women is pervasive, but it is not inevitable if people stay silent.
“In the face of rising antifeminist movements. It is more crucial that we speak up and out.
“Let survivors and activists know you stand with them. Amplify their voices and stories. Create spaces for dialogue, both in person and online,” the gender activist said.
The nation is still struggling to deal with the news of a nine-year-old girl from Tsholotsho who recently gave birth to a baby girl through a Caesarean section after being raped.
Another eight-year-old girl from Bindura also fell pregnant after being allegedly raped by the two teenage brothers from the same area.
According to statistics, one in every three women aged 15 to 49 in Zimbabwe have experienced physical violence and about 1 in 4 have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.
Violence against women continues to occur at an alarming scale in every country in the world. Too often it is accepted as normal behaviour and the global culture of discrimination against women allows violence to occur with impunity.
Governments are working tirelessly with communities to change discriminatory attitudes and behaviours. Organisations and individuals are working all over the world to respond to and prevent violence against women.
Men have fallen also victims of gender-based violence with statistics showing that most of them are suffering inside and tend to commit suicide if they fail to comprehend with the situation.
Earlier in August, a male bouncer committed suicide by downing cyanide following claims of marital problems he was experiencing.
