Hwange Civil Society Organizations have decided to take the bull by the horns in tackling
Gender based Violence in the mining town.
Speaking during a gender workshop for artists, the CSOs revealed cases of GBV can be
fought collectively.
Ms Ruth Bikwa from Hopeville Zimbabwe outlined several causes of GBV in Hwange. She
said since Hwange is a mining town there are many stresses which can emanate from
extractives and the stress can be extended to the homes fueling GBV cases.
“Children and spouses must know that their parents face a lot of challenges that leads to
stress at work. Extractives causes stress to parents sometimes it can be due to lack of
resources from work. Stress emanating from salaries such as getting little paid cause stress
develop and fights begins between parents. Another stress can be caused by late payments as
well as pressure at work. As children you must understand that there is stress at work place,”
said Ms Bikwa.
There are different forms of domestic violence including sexual, verbal, psychological,
physical, emotional abuse as well as the denial of access of money to use.
She encouraged girls in general to be “each other’s keeper” and always report cases of abuse
to the elderly whenever there is one.
Sazini Ngwenya a member of the Young Women’s Forum from Women Coalition of
Zimbabwe said one of the emerging type of abuse among young women is cyber bulling.
Cyber bulling is when someone throws hateful comments on someone or threatens someone
via the internet
“Cyber bulling has contributed to cases of suicide among youngsters, depression and low
self-esteem. This can be avoided if victims of cyber bulling get adequate help from
counsellors,” she said.
Faith Katako from Vostile creations also echoed similar sentiments saying there is a need for
communities to come together collectively in fighting GBV.
“Girls are encouraged to report whenever they are abused. Running away from abuse does
not solve anything, instead speak out, step out so that we bring the perpetrators of abuse to
book,” said Katako.
The Ward 8 Councilor Theresa Mutara said the reporting points of survivors of GBV should
be easily accessible.
“There is a need of accessing the Victim Friendly Unit, police, responsible authority without
any hustle” says the local Councilor.
GBV refers to harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender. Violence against
Women and Girls over the last decades remain the most widespread and pervasive human
rights violation worldwide affecting women and girls. Almost more than five women and
girls are abused every hour by someone in their own family.
