Use lockdown era to bond, families told

FAMILIES have been advised to use the lockdown period to bond and reconnect, not to perpetuate gender based violence after police recorded 340 cases since lockdown started.

There has been a surge in gender-based violence cases during the lockdown.

Speaking at the handover of hundreds of dignity kits for vulnerable women, which were sourced from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Dr Sithembiso Nyoni said: “We encourage families to stay at home in harmony and resolve disputes amicably.

“May I take this opportunity to advise the nation that my ministry continues to offer GBV services through our one-stop-centres. In addition, Police Victim Friendly Units remain open and available to assist those that may encounter any form of GBV.”

Minister Nyoni said the 340 cases filed with the police were worrying.

Cases reported to police include 95 rape case and 193 for domestic violence.

Musasa Project — which assist women survivors of violence — says it has received reports of 600 domestic violence cases.

Minister Nyoni said she had tasked the Anti-Domestic Violence Council to investigate the discrepancy in the two sets of reports there is “a clear picture”.

“We are also grateful to the continued awareness raising that is being done by our civil society partners who continue to assist survivors using various virtual means,” she said.

“It is our collective responsibility. Each one of us has a role to play to ensure that GBV does not happen, and in the event it happens, we encourage survivors to seek help.”

On the dignity kits, Minister Nyoni said they were essential for the physical and psychological well-being of women and girls.

The ministry is housing 14 women and six children at the National Training Centre for rural women who were living on the streets of Harare and some of the kits will be allocated to them.

Some of the kits will be taken to the one-stop-centres for the women’s menstrual hygiene management to enhance their sense of self-esteem.

Mrs Ekenia Chifamba from Anti-Domestic Violence Council received the kits on behalf of the one-stop-centres, while Mrs Tendai Musona received the kits on behalf of women at the National Training Centre.

Other kits will be distributed to the ministry’s one-stop-centres for GBV survivors in Chinhoyi, Rusape, Gweru and Gwanda.