TIME TO KICK OUT GBV

RECENT statistics show gender-based violence (GBV) is spiralling with pronounced cases occurring both in urban and rural areas despite courts meting stiffer punishment or long jail sentences on perpetrators. In most cases, it is the women who fall victim to the wrath of their husbands who for various unexplained reasons fail to control their emotions. Of late, cases of wives being battered, hacked, kicked and even shot to death by their hot-tempered or drunk husbands have not spared the limelight, with such cases reoccurring alarmingly in Lusaka as well as in many other cities and towns. At the rate domestic violence is occurring, it would appear wife battering has become a hobby for some husbands who on their return from their usual drinking spree, always inflict untold violence on their spouses on flimsy grounds. Some, wives have either been battered to death or even maimed for life as result of such violence. Little wonder some victims say the worst nightmare of being a woman is the fear and vulnerability of violence. Cases of spousal killings have in recent times made big headlines in the media but sad reading too, yet and despite calls by the Church for dialogue, patience, tolerance among couples, the scourge continues unabetted. Clearly, wife battering has become a public health problem in this country and much more needs to be done to ensure that this scourge does not continue to show its ugly head in a Christian nation such as ours. In fact, any act of gender-based violence that results in physical, sexual or mental harm to women, including threats, coercion or arbitrary depravation of liberty should be rated as a punishable criminal offence. But even where laws are stiffened and enforced, wives rarely take their husbands to courts of law for cultural reasons, perhaps for fear of social and economic repercussions. But as the country and the world as a whole continues to observe 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, under the theme: Leave no one behind: End gender-based violence now, there is need for women to come out of their cocoon and report any acts of violence without fear or favour. It should also be recognised that The 16 Days of Activism against GBV is also a time to remember victims and survivors of GBV and further re- evaluate the effectiveness of interventions currently in place to address the problem. We totally support the theme because not only is it timely but points to the need for a holistic approach to the challenge of GBV through involvement of all stakeholders. This battle should not be left to the Women’s Lobby alone but every responsible citizen should be involved in one way or the way. According to the Women’s Lobby, various strategies that have been recommended for the prevention or reduction of GBV are already being implemented in Zambia. They include legal provisions such as the anti-GBV Act, GBV Fast Track Courts and One Stop Centres, discouraging discriminatory, cultural and religious practices in the communities. This is inspiring to hear and we applaud the Women’s Lobby and other stakeholders for their tireless efforts in fighting the scourge. End GBV now for a better society.