
Tsenulo Moyo
As part of its efforts to address young women’s sexual reproductive health and mental well-being, which contributes to structural violence, the female arts-oriented organization, the Loziba Movement, is set to host a Gender-Based Violence concert in Bulawayo.
The concert running under the theme “Investing in Ending Violence Against Women and Girls,” will be held at the Queens Sports Club Poolside area on 10 December 2024.
In an interview, Thando Gwinji, team leader at the Loziba Movement, said that since the movement was formed in 2020 to promote gender equality and social justice, they have always held an activity during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
“We always commemorate two key events: International Women’s Day, held in March, and the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,” she said.
Activities set to take place include performances from poets, talks by partners involved about gender-based violence from their own perspectives, curated performances from artists such as Thandy, Luchi Shiki, and LaDee, and a performance of their hit songs.
“The targeted group is everyone because gender-based violence affects everyone, including young people, old people, males, and females.
“To the attendees, they should be geared up for a good time because, as much as we are gathered for a serious issue, they will also have fun and open discussions about the gender-based violence issue.
“The message I would like to say to the Zimbabwean community at large about GBV is that it’s an everyday issue and its changing dynamics,” Gwinji said.
She said that in the past, GBV used to be physical, but now it’s online and it’s also now intimate partner violence, seeing that men are also committing suicide because of GBV.
“Looking into the future, the concert will be held annually and will stretch beyond the 16 Days of Activism to 365 days of activism,” Gwinji said.
She said the movement has partnered with Transparency International Zimbabwe, Emthonjeni Women’s Forum, The Girls’ Table, Youth for Innovation Trust, and Voice of the Voiceless to make the event a success.