Online Reporter
Tafara Chibanda
The Adult Rape Clinic (ARC), in partnership with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development and the City of Harare, yesterday led the commemorations of World Denim Day at Africa Unity Square.
Running under the theme: “Use Your Voice”, the event aimed at raising awareness about sexual violence, challenge the persistent myth that a woman’s attire provokes rape.
The campaign also highlighted that victims are never to blame.
The annual event which is part of the April Sexual Assault Awareness Month, has grown into a global movement to protest against victim-blaming and offer support to survivors of sexual violence.
In an interview with H-Metro, ARC Director Maceline Mukwamba said the day serves as a reminder to shift societal mindsets.
“We are happy to commemorate World Denim Day. It is an important day within Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
“This is not just a day, we are saying lets stand in solidarity with survivors, lets speak out to amplify survivor stories, foster awareness of sexual violence and eliminate stigma surrounding seual violence,” said Mukwamba.
World Denim Day originated in Italy after a teenage girl was sexually assaulted by her driving instructor.
The court ruled that because she was wearing tight jeans, she must have consented, as the jeans would have been too difficult to remove without her help.
Women across Italy protested by wearing denim in solidarity, declaring that the survivor was not at fault, the perpetrator was.
Mukwamba added:
“There is no excuse for rape and no one has ever asked to be violated.
“Denim day is not just symbolic, it is a call to action and we must teach our communities that respect, consent and dignity are non-negotiable.
“Report sexual assault at the Adult Rape Clinic and receive clinical services to prevent HIV, seualy transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies,” she said.
Speaking at the same event, a provincial development officer in the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Enerst Chimbodza also highlighted the Government’s commitment to supporting survivors.
“Denim Day is not just a day for awareness, but a powerful stand against victim-blaming and the injustices faced by survivors.
“This year’s theme, ‘USE YOUR VOICE: Simply Wearing Denim with a Purpose,’ is a call to action for all of us to raise our voices against sexual violence,” said Chimbodza.
He noted that approximately one in three women aged 15 to 49 in Zimbabwe have experienced physical violence, and one in four have experienced sexual violence.
He also said stigma and fear often prevent survivors from reporting abuse.
“The ripple effects of sexual violence go beyond emotional and physical trauma they affect livelihoods and whole communities.
“That’s why we are focusing on economic empowerment as a tool to break the cycle of abuse.”
The Ministry of Women’s Affairs is currently offering survivors access to skills training, financial support, and entrepreneurship through various funding mechanisms such as the Women Development Fund (WDF), Zimbabwe Community Development Fund (ZCDF), Zimbabwe Women Microfinance Bank, and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Corporation (SMEDCO).
