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Tafadzwa Ndlovu in CHIREDZI
Cases of gender-based violence in Chiredzi nearly doubled to 3 500 last year up from 1 800 in 2012, according to an NGO.
Musasa Project gender rights officer Mrs Siphiwe Maphosa told participants at a three-day workshop on GBV here on Tuesday that the statistics were alarming.
“Economic and conjugal issues contributed more than 60 percent of the GBV cases we recorded here in Chiredzi,” she said. “Most of the women that come to us are victims of economic and conjugal disputes. Physical violence contributes just 20 percent with sexual abuse contributing a paltry 6 percent of the cases.”
Mrs Maphosa said since Musasa Project started operating in Chiredzi in 2011 it had recorded continuous increases in GBV reports.
“Attitudes are changing and more people are breaking their silence as they are coming to us for help. We are also active in raising awareness in rural Chiredzi in areas like Chikombedzi, Malipati and Dhavhata where we are receiving more cases,” she said.
The workshop was themed “Engaging the media as a partner in the fight against Gender-Based Violence”.
Another Musasa Project officer, Ms Vimbainashe Njovana, said there was need for more shelters for GBV survivors.
Zimbabwe has 17 laws promoting gender equality and women’s rights.
Online Reporter