By Ayanda S. Kalume, Administrator.

Gender-based Violence against women and children is a pandemic that has in the recent years been shed light on.  Different initiatives such as the Man Up Campaign, 16 days of activism against GBV etc. have shed light to this issue and with its newfound fame; different countries are now trying to reduce the frequency of such cases by bringing attention to the issue. According to the World Bank, “Gender-based violence (GBV) or violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a global pandemic that affects 1 in 3 women in their lifetime.” This is a scary fact and a serious problem that needs to be dealt with; one of such way to deal with it is the creation of support systems.

Although most cases are of women and children, men also go through gender-based violence, some of these cases are found in the LGBT Community. In the past, issues of GBV were not taken as seriously as it now is. Before a victim would be left with their abuser and they would either end up dead or seriously injured. In one country, once they find out domestic violence is going on, they come and remove the abuser from the residence.

But for this to take place, a victim needs to go to someone or somewhere where they know they will be safe. Most victims of GBV tend to feel that there is no one to turn to or confide in whilst they are going through gender-based violence. Some families do not believe the victims. This is common in our African culture and sometimes Christian beliefs, we are told to “stay strong”, “persevere”, and “to get on your knees and pray”. And those same families are the first to feel guilty once that victim has succumbed to the death due to GBV.

The most effective way to stop GBV is through education and the best way is to teach it in schools. This is advantageous because when kids are still young and later in life, they can identify and report abuse. Education should also take places in communities, churches, and workplaces. GBV is not only domestic or physical violence but also verbal violence, psychological violence, sexual violence, and socio-economic violence. A victim of GBV needs a support system wherever they may get it- be it a neighbour, a work colleague or church member. We need to gain more traction about GBV as we do with other issues such as HIV/AIDS. They require emotional and non-judgemental support.

The creation of centres specifically for victims needs to be established in most areas that are easily accessible and provide counselling. One such centre is the Mobile One Stop Centre launched by the Zimbabwean Government with support from UNFPA Zimbabwe alongside the European Union. Most victims are not able to go to the designated places due to the distance, and services are costly thus they remain in that lethal relationship. Some or most victims fear to leave such situations because of socio-economic reasons, GBV centres and or support groups need to have projects or programmes that will empower the women and children.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, cases of GBV and domestic violence cases increased thus only making it more important for more centres to be open. Our society needs to be more united and angrier in the fight against GBV against women and children. Social stigma and isolation of victims needs to be stopped for survivors of GBV can share their stories and help others in similar situations. This is a long-term effort that we as a community and country need to do thereby transforming our cultures and societies. By so doing, helping a victim, or bringing to the attention of relevant authorities, more victims will gather the courage to leave these lethal relationships.