By Kuda Pembere in Mazowe
Population Solutions for Health (PSH) engaged traditional chiefs from some parts of the country on gender-based violence and child marriages issues where it emerged Mashonaland Central ranked highest in the country.
The 16 days of Activism against GBV chiefs indaba held in Mazowe was graced by chiefs from Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland East as well as the Ambassador of Sweden to Zimbabwe His Excellency Per Lindgarde.
We welcome this program. As chiefs when it comes to the issue of child marriages, we refer the cases to the Police for the elimination of such practices.
“As chiefs, we are there to ensure families live in harmony but when it is an issue of child marriage, there won’t be any harmony in the home. The mining and farming communities are hotspots for GBV and child marriages.
“We want to thank the Ministry Affairs Ministry for setting up shelter homes. We just want this thing eradicated once and for all,” said Chief Negomo of Mazowe.
Chief Chikwaka from Goromonzi said as traditional chiefs they do not condone child marriages and GBV. He said it should be known mothers, or the girl child is an important figure in any culture.
“Another form of GBV is that of child marriages. We have a Shona proverb which goes, Rega dzive shiri mazai haana muto (Wait for the grown birds, there can be no soup from eggs.)which has been largely misconstrued claiming chiefs are marrying off young girls. This means let young girls grow till they mature to become ladies,” he said.
The Swedish Ambassador Lindgarde said commended the chiefs for rallying against GBV and child marriages. I want to acknowledge all of you here today and reiterate that you are symbols of unity and tolerance, you are part of the authorities best placed to reverse the epidemic of gender-based violence. You can address the systematic, social inequality and disempowerment of women at 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,” he said.
PSH executive director Noah Taruberekera encouraged chiefs during these 16 days of activism against GBV to make solid commitments to prevent harmful gender practices.
“This is why we have gathered here as chiefs, village heads and men because only we can solve the problem. The power to stop gender-based violence and child marriages in Zimbabwe lies in our hands. There is No Excuse for Gender Based Violence. Let us unite to create a Zimbabwe where mothers, sisters and daughters can feel safe,” he said.
