GBV has no place in our nation H-METRO
GOVERNMENT’S commitment to end gender-based violence is commendable.
It comes at a time when many survivors have been dying in silence.
The sad reality is that the country continues to witness a surge in cases of gender-based violence.
This year alone, the country has so far recorded 18907 cases of domestic violence from January to October and, when one looks at these numbers, they are quite scary.
Last year, the country recorded 17244 cases during the same period.
The increase in these cases requires urgent attention.
As Zimbabweans, we can do better and end this cancer. We can’t afford to continue witnessing such cases.
There are even genuine fears that there might be other cases which were not reported.
Our people should be empowered to speak out against domestic violence.
Each year, we celebrate 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence between November and
December.
Activists have been vocal on the need to shun violence.
Violence is a monster that should be tamed and we should not be apologetic about that. We should be a people who are proud that we are making efforts to tame this monster.
While women are known to be the ones who are on the receiving end, more than their male counterparts, it doesn’t mean that men are spared from this.
The positive thing is that men are now beginning to open up and talk about domestic violence.
Last year alone, 2463 cases of domestic violence were reported by men.
It’s a step in the right direction.
Men should never die in silence but open up to ensure that they get help.
Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi’s assurance that the Government was committed to ending gender-based violence was a welcome stance by our country’s leadership.
What is now needed is for survivors and the victims to open up so that they get help.
Perpetrators of domestic violence should be punished for their deeds.
We can’t afford to entertain violent people in Zimbabwe.
The only place where they belong is jail.
As the people’s paper, we always fight for what is right and we will always fight the perpetrators of gender based violence.
We also suggest that parties should always learn to resolve their disputes amicably.
Fighting is not a solution but a sign of weakness and stupidity.
Domestic violence should be condemned in its strongest terms.
It has a serious impact which can affect the mental well-being of children and their victims.
This could be the reason why we are recording a surge in cases of depression as well as suicide.
There is also a need for the police to raise awareness against this cancer.
Celebrities and influencers should also play their role in advocating against gender-based violence.
While many people tend to observe this during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, it should be a lifestyle.
The gospel must be preached daily to ensure that we make the world a better place to live in.