MDC national chairperson Thandiwe Mlilo says political violence can only be effectively dealt with if authorities address causes of domestic violence.
Report by Khanyile Mlotshwa
In a statement issued yesterday to coincide with commemorations of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence, Mlilo said her party believed that, “a home full of love, peace and harmony will produce decent citizens that are an invaluable asset to the community and the nation.
“As a party we strongly deplore violence and all forms of abuses against women in our society and in all spheres of our lives,” Mlilo said.
“We believe that the struggle for a just and fair society is a struggle to rid our society of such ills. We are convinced that the elimination of violence at home is a right step towards the elimination of violence is our society.
“The MDC is disturbed by some political leaders who embrace political violence as a tool to win elections. We are aware that women are the greatest victims of this undemocratic tendency thus, on this day we reiterate our call for the end of political violence.” The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence is an international campaign originating from the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute sponsored by the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership in 1991.
This year’s theme is “From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Let’s Challenge Militarism and End Violence Against Women”, and it marks the third year of advocacy on the intersections of gender-based violence and militarism.
