Let’s join the fight against GBV

TODAY the world starts commemorating 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence (GBV).

The 16 Days campaign has been used as an organising strategy around the world since 1991 to call for the elimination of all forms of genderbased violence.

At this juncture, I feel a lot needs to be done to address these issues.

Cases of GBV reported through the national GBV hotline almost tripled during the COVID-19 lockdowns from 1 930 in 2019 to more than 5 507 in 2020 and this is worrisome given that we have progressive laws.

Violence against women and girls is one of the most pervasive human rights violations in the world. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, evidence has shown that all types of genderbased violence have escalated.

Globally, one in three women experience physical or sexual violence inflicted mostly by an intimate partner.

The country has recorded brutal cases of gender-based violence.

Cases of child marriages and teen pregnancies have also been on the rise lately and are a form of GBV. Since the start of lockdowns, GBV service providers in Zimbabwe have seen an increase in reported cases, including psychological, physical, sexual and economic forms of violence.

The Domestic Violence Act notes that domestic violence includes physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, psychological and economic abuse, intimidation, harassment, stalking and malicious damage to property.

So, indeed, there is a lot that government needs to do to eradicate GBV in all its forms whether it affects women, girls or men. In most cases men tend not to report cases of GBV because of pride as they are regarded as heads of families.

There is need to raise awareness against GBV and offenders should be arrested and punished to dissuade would-be offenders.

At workplaces without laws and deterrent policies, employers do not only suffer losses through reduced productivity and absenteeism, they also bear the cost of developing policies to ensure the safety of workers and reduce the risk of legal liability or negative publicity.

The government must assume responsibility for legislating against gender-based violence to protect victims and employers.

FREEBOY MUKOPA