‘STOP VERBAL ABUSE OF WOMEN’

…..worst form of GBV, says gender activist

THERE is need for quick intervention by the law enforcers on the continued trend of verbal abuse of women and girls on the streets, says gender activist Gladys Mutukwa.

Ms. Mutukwa said the vice should not be tolerated, as women had a right to enjoy equal access to public space just as men do.

She described verbal harassment as one of the most devastating forms of Gender Based Violence (GBV).

She observed that very little attention had been directed towards this form of GBV, as many people viewed it as a minor issue.

“Verbal harassment is rarely talked about, yet a lot of women face it on a daily basis especially at bus stations.

‘‘It limits one's mobility and access to public spaces; it is a form of gender violence and it's a human rights violation which has to be stopped, it’s totally wrong,” Ms. Mutukwa said.

She called on law enforcers to take the issue more seriously and ensure that stern action was taken against perpetrators.

Ms Mutukwa said tougher penalties for perpetrators should be imposed, so as to create a safe space for women.

“There is need for the police to scale up and fine the culprits, because if such action is taken, women won’t have go through such harassment on the street; instead they will be respected,” she said.

“Government must put up a stiff law that will help in addressing this issue because it’s now getting out of hand, which shouldn’t be the case because it is totally wrong.

‘‘Women need to feel safe and free to walk on the streets without fear of being harassed,” she said.