'No' to Gender-Based Violence

Oppah Muchinguri, leader of the Women's League of ZANU-PF, the ruling party of the Republic of Zimbabwe. She holds the position of Minister of Women's Affairs, a cabinet post inside the government., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

‘No’ to gender-based violence

Sunday, 24 November 2013 00:00
Sunday Mail Reporter

The Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development, in partnership with various non-governmental organisations, yesterday launched a campaign against gender-based violence.

The campaign is a precursor to the official launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, which run from November 25.

The event was held under the theme “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes”.

In a speech read of her behalf, the Minister, Cde Oppah Muchinguri, said gender-base violence has continued to increase.

“It is very disheartening to note that the cases of gender-based violence remain on the increase. Gender-based violence has been widespread throughout the world and cuts across borders, affecting all people and society, regardless of ethnicity, race, socio-economic status and religion.

“The up-coming 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence is a platform for all Zimbabweans to condemn gender-based violence,” she said.

Minister Muchinguri said the Government has developed strategies to curtail the violence.

“In a bid to stop gender-based violence, the ministry developed the Zimbabwe National Gender-based Violence Strategy 2012 to 2015 and consequently launched it and the four Ps stand for prevention, protection, programmes and participation,” she said.

“The Sadc Protocol on Gender and Development compels member states to halve the incidence of gender-based violence by 2015.”

Speaking at the same event, United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women country representative Mr Kemal Mustafa said gender inequality must be addressed.

“To be effective, prevention must address the root cause of gender inequality.

“We need education in schools that teaches human rights and mutual respect and that inspires young people to be leaders from equality.

“It is a glaring omission that ending violence against women was not included in the Millennium Development Goals. I urge all UN member states to make ending violence against women and girls a priority in the new development framework that comes after the MDGs expire in 2015.”