Political, social and economic empowerment of women in Zimbabwe is vital in tackling gender-based violence, British Ambassador to Zimbabwe Catriona Laing has said.
by AUDREY MUTASA
Speaking at an International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women event to mark the start of the campaign of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Domboshava yesterday, Laing said there was need for women and girls to get a platform to discuss how best they could speak up against violence in the community.
Statistics show that one-third of girls in Zimbabwe experience sexual violence before the age of 18, but less than 3% receive professional help.
“Most women believe men are justified in beating them for specific reasons and over 40% of men admit to intimate partner violence in their lifetimes,” Annabel Gerry, head of Department for International Development, said while addressing over 200 villagers who attended the event.
In a discussion held as part of the event, villagers expressed concern at women’s failure to report cases of gender-based violence. A representative of the police told villagers: “Rape cases should be reported as soon as possible with evidence under Zimbabwe laws. Rape is considered a medical emergency.”
The 16 days against gender-based violence campaign is celebrated annually and will this year run until December 10 under the theme From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Also present at the event was British Council director Sam Harvey, popular musician Cynthia Mare, who staged a performance, and representatives from Padare Men’s Forum, Zimbabwe Women Lawyers’ Association and Childline, among others.
