Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. THE Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) has called on the government to act against sexual and gender-based violence, especially on young women and girls who are most vulnerable to the scourge.
This comes after the rape of a minor at one of the city’s busiest bus termini along Rezende Street, although no arrest has been made weeks after the disturbing incident.
Speaking to NewsDay on the sidelines of an outreach programme at the bus terminus last Friday, WCoZ secretary Irene Sithole said the incident triggered concern amid calls for the issue to be treated seriously.
“We are here to raise awareness on the negative effects of gender-based violence, particularly sexual and gender-based violence; considering the incident that happened here a few weeks ago where a young girl, a Grade 7 learner, was raped at this rank,” she said.
“We are looking at the situation and it triggered a concern regarding the rights of girls and even their protection from gender-based violence.
“Let’s protect the rights of young girls. Let’s protect the rights of women, let’s protect the rights of boys, the rights of everyone in society.
“No one should be violated. It’s a society where we should have freedom of movement, freedom of association and security of persons, where we should not be violated.”
Sithole said the purpose of the outreach was to let people know that the violence which took place at the rank was unwarranted, urging every stakeholder to play their role so that there is no repeat of similar incidents.
“As a society, we need to be protecting each other to say when we see such incidents happening, where are we?” Sithole said.
“How can we protect our vulnerable members of community? The law enforcement agents should also take their role and ensure that perpetrators are brought to court.”
Speaking at the same event, Zimbabwe United Deregulated Commuter Operators (ZUDCO) president Frederick Maguramhinga said they would push for a change of behaviour to ensure members uphold morals.
He, however, expressed concern that rank marshals have no affiliation, adding that regulating them might be difficult.
“Stopping the activities at the rank until the culprit is brought to book is something that needs stakeholder engagement, where the council is going to be present as these ranks belong to it. It’s not about money, but about making sure that justice is done,” Maguramhinga said.
“My advice would be, can we have a stakeholder meeting where we meet with the police, council and all interested parties. If we can sit down and come up with a resolution it may help to reduce the disturbing occurrences.”
Meanwhile, addressing a gathering in Mutoko recently at the launch of the Strengthening Access to Comprehensive GBV Services for Children, Adolescent Victims, Women and Girls through GBV Mobile One-Stop Centre Community Outreaches, Women Affairs minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the scourge remained a pervasive and devastating reality in society.
“Gender-based violence is not only a social issue, but also equally an economic issue, bleeding our economy and disrupting our social fabric. It is also sad to note that many of these victims do not seek professional help, they remain silent about their ordeal,” she said.
“This is because of the numerous challenges that survivors face in accessing justice, which include, among others, lack of access to service providers owing to long distances and inability to meet costs associated with seeking justice.”
According to the United Nations Population Fund, in Zimbabwe, about 1 in 3 women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence and about 1 in 4 women have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.
For More News And Analysis About Zimbabwe Follow Africa-Press
