Artistes speak on gender-based violence
Zimbabwe will for the next 16 days join the rest of the world in commemorating 16 Days of Activism Against GenderBased Violence as the globe makes concerted efforts to end the problem.
THE campaign seeks to galvanise action to end violence against women and girls around the world and several individuals, organisations and stakeholders have over the years kept the vision alive by engaging in various activities, all meant to ensure that the evil is eradicated from society.
Women in the arts industry have not been left out in the campaign. Through arts they have conveyed various messages all seeking to eradicate the evil. The Saturday Herald Lifestyle spoke to various woman players in the arts industry especially musicians who for years have been at the forefront of the fight to end gender based violence.
Women in Action through Music leader, Edit WeUtonga had this to say.
“Women and children are the most affected by GBV, and as women in music I felt it necessary to engage women to be proactive. We are role models, and standing up will encourage our women to stand up and speak out when encountered by abuse,” said Edith.
Rute Mbangwa of the Women in Action through Music also added her voice.
“Happy people whether male or female are equal to a peaceful thriving nation. GBV is robbing us of vibrant, thinking and working people thus contributing indirectly to the under performance and struggles of many facets in our nation.
“It’s further tearing our social fabric leaving us with a toxic environment where no one cares or considers the impact of their action on others. The general thinking is that it’s perpetrated by men on women only but its woman on woman, man on man too children are also victims. Knowledge is power, there is need for more awareness and consistency in law enforcement.”
Jan-Jam founder, Cynthia BizureSithole, arguably one of the biggest names in fashion in Zimbabwe also added her voice.
“It is worrying that we continue to witness cases of gender based violence with women making the majority of the victims. Apart from laws, there is more that needs to be done. Laws can be broken, unfortunately. So an arrest is only a reactive measure.
“There is need for something proactive to be done. I would say, let’s have programmes which can help the whole community realise how bad gender based violence is, let’s have initiatives that help men and women solve problems without using violence, and let’s also promote peace in our communities. Making room for peacefulness, chases away violence in all its forms.”
Sandra Ndebele: “Abuse is real and unfortunately silent. It is sad to note that some females would go silent to protect the perpetrator for one reason or the other. As women and mothers we owe it to ourselves and to the victims to fight for and protect them.”
Novuyo Seagirl Dube: “There is a higher probability that female artists are subjected to gender based violence than any other industry. Financial support in terms of a music career is promised and because desperation a newbie jumps at the offer only to discover she has been taken for a ride that damages her whole being. She then perishes fast.”
Rachel J: “Every girl is born with a little light inside that will grow brighter as she enters into womanhood. Abuse is the major obstruction of that light therefore we need to fight it so that it keeps shining for the world to see a way towards a great future.”
Caroline Chirowodza Caychi: “GBV is one of the most pervasive violation of human rights in the world, especially on women and children. We have to do so much more to end this impurity that allows these violations to continue.”
The Lioness Florence Nyamazana Çhivasa: “As a victim, I feel that a lot needs to be done as most girls and boys are getting married as minors due to lack of knowledge be it they are forced or do it willingly it will affect their future. We must catch them young so that we can have a GBV free generation.”
Pindurai Mwakurudza Lady Vicious: “Some women are shy to tell someone what they are going through because of fear of being gossiped about hence making the situation worse.
“Through our songs we will inform the victims with what to do when in such situations.”
Maideyi ‘Mama Rachie’ Nyathi: “We will always come together and address this issue until the future generation slowly develops a new culture which is abuse free.”
#EndGenderBasedViolence