BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
TWENTY-TWO women are raped daily in Zimbabwe, while one is abused every 75 minutes and an average of 646 are sexually abused each month, Swedish Ambassador, His Excellency Per Lindgärde, has said.
Ambassador Lindgärde revealed further that one in three girls under 18 is married in Zimbabwe.
He revealed these shocking statistics at Kakora Primary School in Mazowe, during the 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence Chiefs Indaba.
The event was organised by Population Solutions for Health (PSH), with support from the Embassy of Sweden and in partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development.
The indaba was attended by 16 Chiefs, Village Heads and other stakeholders.
“Globally every 10 minutes, a woman is killed.
“In Zimbabwe, 22 women are raped daily; one woman is abused every 75 minutes, and an average of 646 women are sexually abused each month. One in 3 girls under 18 is married, shocking and sobering statistics.
“The 16 Days of Activism and any other day of the year, we should reflect on these disturbing statistics.
“All these statistics represent more than just numbers; they reflect the lives of women and girls who are someone’s mother, daughter, sister, niece, or aunt-each suffering the pain and trauma of assault, rape, maiming, or murder at the hands of a man or boy.
“Tragically, few are reported or brought to justice,” said Ambassador Lindgärde.
He added that it was unfortunate that the home remains the most dangerous place for women and girls, as most of the women victims are killed by intimate partners, husband or boyfriend) or a family-related homicide (father, brother, son).
Ambassador Lindgärde reiterated that Chiefs and Village Heads and other authorities had a duty to be symbols of unity and tolerance, as they are best placed to reverse the epidemic of GBV.
“You can address the systematic, social inequality and disempowerment of women at the grassroots level.
“In your villages you can engage men to be activists in countering GBV.
“You can create an enabling environment for increased reporting, referral and support of GBV cases.
“As leaders you can encourage families to ensure that girls and boys stay in school and complete their education. It’s important that they learn that all human beings are equal in dignity and worth.”
He also revealed that his country is firmly committed to preventing and responding to all forms of sexual and gender-based violence and child marriages in Zimbabwe.
“We work actively to ensure that women and girls can decide for themselves over their lives and bodies.
“Through the “Love Shouldn’t Hurt” campaign, our partner Population Solutions for Health (PSH) is rallying men to be agents of change, to be allies in the fight against gender-based violence.
“There is also the “Give Me a Chance” campaign seeking to end early child marriages in the communities.
“We have also established a toll-free line where violence survivors can also call for help and support.
“I want to applaud you all, Chiefs and Village Heads for rallying behind these campaigns.
“Sweden takes pride in being part of these efforts that aim to bring dignity and respect to girls and women.
“Let me conclude by emphasising that, the vision of an inclusive world, free of discrimination and gender- based violence, and the realisation of this vision requires the commitment of every one of us.
“There are many ways in which, together we can and should make a difference. Let us commit today to continually – In our day-to-day work, challenge ourselves institutionally and personally to raise awareness and stand against gender-based violence,” added Ambassador Lindgärde.
Speaking at the same event, PSH Executive Director and Managing Trustee, Dr Noah Taruberekera said it was humbling to see Chiefs taking part in discussions aimed at effectively addressing GBV.
He also paid tribute to the government for the support to implement their programmes in the community.
“I would also like to express my gratitude to the Embassy of Sweden for their funding support which has enabled us to spread the message against GBV and Child Marriages through initiatives like the “Love Shouldn’t Hurt” project and the “Give Me A Chance” campaign.
“GBV is also closely linked to drug use, and we appreciate the continued support from the Swedish Embassy in our efforts to combat drug and substance use under the “Strength is In You” campaign.
“GBV is high in Zimbabwe, where some men misuse their physical strength to beat, rape, and kill women.
“It also includes child marriages, where young girls under the age of 18 are forced into marriage against their will.
“This is why we have gathered here as Chiefs, Village Heads, and men-because only we can solve this problem.
“The power to stop gender-based violence and child marriages in Zimbabwe lies in our hands.”
He added: “to the Chiefs, your role in shaping traditional norms is crucial in eliminating GBV and child marriages.
“Your voices are listened to. During the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV, we therefore urge you, as 16 Chiefs, to make solid commitments to prevent these practices.
“There is No Excuse for Gender-Based Violence. Let us all unite to create a Zimbabwe where mothers, sisters, and daughters can feel safe in their homes and villages.
“And this begins with each of us-let’s act against GBV together, starting today.”
Several Chiefs revealed that the programmes to protect women and girls were vital so as to eliminate GBV and child marriages.
PSH reports that the “Love Shouldn’t Hurt” campaign is an anti-GBV campaign that engages men as change makers, promotes gender equality, and increases the number of individuals who believe that gender-based violence should not be tolerated in their communities.
It (campaign) is centered around the universal theme of love and music, aiming to engage male perpetrators of violence and encourage them to end such behaviour.
And by collaborating with men in the community, local leaders, and a group of musicians, the campaign sparked a movement uniting men and women against GBV.
The “Love Shouldn’t Hurt” campaign further encourages men to raise their hand to love, not to beat their partners.
The “Give Me A Chance. I am a Child not A Wife” campaign is an anti-child marriage campaign that puts girls at the forefront of demanding an opportunity to fulfil their dreams and achieve a better future.
And the “Give Me A Chance. I am a Child, not a Wife” campaign works with community leaders, including chiefs and village heads to end early child marriages in their communities.
NEWSSPACE 