Statement by the NYDT on 16 days of activism against gender based violence

The National Youth Development Trust joins the world in commemorating 16 Days of Activism against Gender based violence. The campaign is aimed at raising awareness on gender based violence as a human rights issue at local, national, regional and International levels.

The commemorations also provide a forum in which various organisations develop and share effective strategies while demonstrating the solidarity of women around the world in challenging violence against women.  Gender based violence has profound socio- economic consequences for all of society. It undermines the possibility of gender equality and negatively affects women’s health care, education, political and economic participation.

This year the commemorations carry over the theme from last year, which is:  From peace in the home to peace in the world: Let’s challenge militarism and end violence against women. The theme could not have been more fitting as it comes at a time when women are still the major victims of gender based violence in Zimbabwe, and also when the country is preparing for an election and cases of harassment by the militia and other political players are expected to increase.

Militarism refers to the belief and desire of a government or people that a country should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to use it aggressively. It instils fear and deters individual from freely expressing themselves. Elements of militarism have been noted in Zimbabwe the past elections in as citizens have been subjected to gruesome levels of violence. Such violence, mainly perpetrated by trained militia, has affected women and girls more than any other group, as they have not only faced physical beatings, but rape, and psychological torture.

Therefore it is the NYDT’s hope that as the world commemorates 16 days of activism, Zimbabwe will commemorate this important campaign under the complete theme and come up with actionable measures against such militarism and violence against women. rather than deliberately ignoring some elements of the theme, or altering it to suit what government deems to be more acceptable

In that regard, the NYDT urges all members of law enforcement, security and other government bodies, to uphold the rule of law and effectively carry out their mandate to protect women rather than being perpetrators of violence against them.

We also recommend that the government of Zimbabwe also puts in place mechanisms to guard against the recurrence of such militarism and violence particularly on women as has been observed in past electoral periods.

Above all, we call upon all Zimbabweans to treat women as equals and desist from resorting to violence. The NYDT and other like minded organisations should continue striving to groom young men and women whose gender attitudes are changing and who seek and prioritise non violent means of resolving conflict.