SYS MARKS END TO 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM

SHAMWARI Yemwanasikana (SYS), a women’s and girls’ support group, has asked men to participate in the fight against gender-based violence.

The child rights organisation marked the end of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence yesterday by hosting awareness-raising campaigns at key bus terminuses in Harare, as well as in Chiredzi, Bulawayo and Masvingo.

SYS programmes officer, Lisa Bonongwe, said the campaigns were aimed at addressing attitudes leading to violence against women and girls, and to educate the public about consensual sexual relationships, HIV/AIDS and child marriage.

Vendors, rank marshals and kombi drivers were among the target audiences.

Campaigns were held at Copacabana, Charge Office and Market Square terminuses in Harare.

“We interacted with both men and women at these bus terminuses seeking to address the norms and attitudes that promote violence against women and girls.

“The campaign was also based on educating members of the public on their sexuality, consensual sexual relationships, HIV/AIDS and child marriages,” Bonongwe said.

“Most complaints are raised at these ranks and we took it upon ourselves to raise awareness and end the stigma addressing issues like sexual harassment in the streets.

“This is where most of these abuses are experienced and through our conversations, we informed the public not to harass women and girls in the queues,” she said.

Other stakeholders that were part of the initiative include the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Ministry of Health and Child Care, and the Department of Social Welfare, among others.