The Women Coalition of Zimbabwe, in collaboration with various organizations, recently organized a march from Milton Park to Belgravia to mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence (GBV) and to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, a UN initiative aimed at advancing gender equality.
Speaking to the media during the march, Muchanyara Cynthia Mukamuri, chairperson of the Women Coalition of Zimbabwe and executive director of the Self Help Development Foundation, stated, “Each year, we come together for 16 Days of Activism to raise awareness and combat gender-based violence.”
“This year’s campaign coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, which calls for a peaceful society, particularly in light of challenges brought on by the El Niño-induced drought.”
She pointed out that the rise in GBV cases can be attributed to issues such as food insecurity, unemployment, substance abuse, school dropouts among girls, unwanted pregnancies, and conflicts that lead to violence.
Mukamuri also expressed concern about how drought conditions, exacerbated by El Niño, are contributing to increased GBV cases linked to food shortages. “In spite of these challenges, we advocate for peaceful conflict resolution instead of resorting to violence,” she said. “As we march today, let’s remember that the 16 Days of Activism is not just about awareness; it’s about making real changes in our communities.”
Irene Sithole, chairperson of the Zimbabwe Blind Women Trust, emphasized the importance of empowering women with disabilities to live their lives fully and to speak out against violence. “For us, these 16 Days of Activism present an essential opportunity to join the global movement and highlight the heightened risks faced by women with disabilities, who often depend on caregivers that may also be their abusers,” she noted.
Zimbabwe has strong laws against GBV, but Mukamuri stressed the necessity for proper enforcement and dedicated institutions to support victims. “I urge everyone to take a stand against gender-based violence, especially towards women with disabilities,” she added.
Mildred Mapingure, representing the Women Lawyers Association, reiterated that the ultimate aim of the anti-GBV movement is zero tolerance. “We strive for zero tolerance towards gender-based violence, believing that this can be achieved through advocating for harsher penalties for offenders, including longer prison terms and, where appropriate, corporal punishment,” she said.
“While men can also be victims of gender-based violence, they often suffer in silence, so it is vital for women to raise their voices against these injustices and break the silence.”
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