Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Writer
BULAWAYO turned orange yesterday as the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development kicked off this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with a high-energy roadshow that rolled from Sokusile Business Centre straight into the heart of Makokoba.
The annual global campaign, running from 25 November to 10 December, is anchored on the international theme Unite To End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls, a call that resonates loudly in communities battling both physical and online abuse.
The Ministry teamed up with the BCC Gender Department, civil society groups, churches, development partners and the private sector to push one message. Zero tolerance to GBV.
Bulawayo Provincial Development Officer Glory Damba said the start of the campaign marked a renewed commitment to fighting violence in all its forms.
“We are launching the 16 Days of Zero Tolerance against GBV and we have done it with Bakers Inn, ZFU, Ministry of Health and Child Care among other partners. This is to intensify the awareness campaigns on GBV and reaffirm our commitment to fighting abuse in our communities. The actual commemoration will be at Entumbane Hall on 4 December where we will begin with a march,” she said.
Damba stressed that the campaign goes beyond symbolic activities.
“We are not saying GBV must only be talked about during 16 Days. It must be stopped all year round, 365 days. This period is just a special moment to remember lives lost due to GBV.”
At Sokusile, veteran model and advocate Sipho Mazibuko delivered a hard-hitting message urging residents to speak out.
“As the community let us not shy away from reporting incidents of rape, attempted rape and sodomy. These crimes destroy futures and leave victims living in fear. Silence only feeds trauma and depression,” said Mazibuko.
Turning heads and drawing cheers were the visiting queens. Matabeleland South Miss Rural Queen Queen Belle Nomatter, Matabeleland North Miss Rural Queen Michelle Ngwenya and Masvingo’s Miss Rural Queen Angeline Taruvanda, who added star power to the awareness drive.
This year’s thrust is; Communities must unite to break the cultural, structural and institutional chains that continue to trap women and girls in cycles of violence and exclusion.
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