Youth GBV Sensitization Dialogue held
In a bid to recognize this year’s global theme in the commemoration of the 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD) in collaboration with Youth Invest conducted an awareness-raising dialogue with a group of young women, men, a clinical psychologist, a medical doctor, ward Councilor, legal practitioner and representatives from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Victim Friendly Unit.
The aim of the discussion was to facilitate fruitful dialogue on GBV and to demystify the relationship that exists between pandemics and the rise in GBV cases.
Nomqhele Siziba, the Executive Director at Youth Invest said women and girls should not live in fear of reporting cases of GBV. She further encouraged members from ZRP to avail GBV statistics in a manner that is transparent.
Speaking during the GBV Awareness Dialogue, Amanda Phiri, a Legal Officer at Christian Legal Society cited the need for young women to always be on the lookout for GBV in their communities through utilizing available legal frameworks to their advantage.
“There are several laws that can protect women and victims of GBV,” said Phiri. “In Zimbabwe, we have legal frameworks that should protect a victim of GBV but the downside is that citizens are not aware of these rights.”
Amanda Phiri cited that there should be proper referral pathways in matters of gender-based violence (GBV).
Clinical Psychologist, Nombulelo Crocco cited that most cases that emerge in light of the lockdown come as a result of being locked down with their perpetrator, which is why women find it hard to report these cases.
Crocco encouraged women to seek help early so as to avoid the psycho-socio effects that come with being faced with either emotional, physical, and sexual violence. She added that society should normalise seeking counselling services from qualified professionals.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), Dr. Maphios Siamuchembu cited that an increase in cases of GBV can be alluded to the current socio-economic situation in the country. He cited that poverty has been the major factor that results in inter-partner violence.
Dr. Grace Gwini cited the need for medical personnel to work in collaboration with ZRP to improve GBV prevention strategies. She added that police reports that are requested before one can be treated in a hospital are an impediment as they delay GBV mitigation strategies. Dr. Gwini further highlighted that the collaboration goes beyond law enforcement agents or health personnel but encouraged churches to be active in the fight against ending GBV.