By Kuda Pembere
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) teamed up with the City Of Harare to mark the Women’s Month with a fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV) through a Clean Up Campaign in Harare’s oldest high-density suburb Mbare last Friday.
Officiating the cleanup campaign in Women’s month themed Sweeping Gender-Based Violence, Harare deputy mayor Councillor Rosemary Muronda said it was important to get rid of GBV in homes between men and women.
“It is my honor to officiate the Clean Up campaign during the Month of Women and Gender-Based Awareness commemoration under the theme Sweeping Gender-Based Violence. I express my gratitude to all the stakeholders who took part in this program to make this event a success.
“It is with immense gratitude and a sense of urgency that I stand before you during the virtual Women’s Month. Our collective presence here today in the spirit of Clean Up Campaign underscores the profound link between the healthy environment and society free from scorn and gender-based violence our theme Sweep gender violence out.
“Just as we diligently remove litter from our streets, we must also work tirelessly to eliminate the toxic behavior and attitude that fuel gender-based violence,” she said.
ZGC chairperson Commissioner Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe said esuring a clean and GBV-free place is everyone’s responsibility.
“We are happy teaming up with Harare City Council to clean up not only this place but reminding people in Mbare and the nation at large that throwing litter is bad for the environment.
“We are also saying while doing this clean up campaign, let us sweep off GBV in homes and communities. Let us stop this violence, the killings and hurting each other so that when working in the musika (marketplace), we will be working in peace and harmony as males and females,” she said.
Adult Rape Clinic (ARC) Gender and Advocacy Officer Ms Phephisiwe Muranda said it was important for victims of sexual gender based violence to seek medical help prior reporting to the police. She said medical assistance is necessary three days following the incident.
“GBV not only affects the physical being but the mental well being to an extent that many can get mental disorders and others can be suicidal or even die. We see women not reporting cases of GBV, even when it sexual abuse happens to children, they keep quiet, for various reasons.
“But we are encourage that when GBV or sexual abuse occurs, report quickly for us to help treat the victim. ARC is at Parirenyatwa Hospital Ward C9 where they give assistance for free to prevent unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV,” she said.
Zimbabwe Republic Police National Victim Friend Unit (VFU) coordinator Chief Inspector Jefter Marasha said it was important to have a GBV free environment which preserves the dignity of women and girls.
“Today we have not only cleaned up our physical environment and we have taken a symbolic stand against the scourge of gender-based violence.
“A clean environment promotes health and well-being. Similarly, a society free of gender-based violence promotes the safety, dignity and potential of women and girls,” he said.
Goal Zimbabwe Gender and Protection coordinator Ms Momthandazo Jones said their organization envisions a GBV free nation which affords women and girls opportunities in various facets of life.
“We are cleaning up but we are also cleaning out GBV. As Goal Zimbabwe, we have zero tolerance to any form of GBV. We want a gender violence free society where women and girls can enjoy their full potential in all sectors of their life where political, social, economic and decision making.
“We are very happy to partner with the City of Harare and Gender Commission as we contribute towards eradicating GBV,” she said.
