adminbeen made to end gender based violence, WiPSU is saddened by the incessant cases of violence permeating in our country. On the 20th of February 2013, the nation woke up to the shocking news of ten year old Stacey Munjoma who was raped and found dead in a maize field in Rugare, Harare.
Stacy, who had been reported missing on Monday morning, was found half naked with her blouse stained with blood; a post-mortem conducted on the Grade 4 pupil revealed that her death had been caused by the shock and trauma she endured after being raped.
Although the government of Zimbabwe has made strides towards promoting gender equality through the enactment of legislations and policies that support gender equality, the plight of women remains in a sorry state.
There is still a long way to go before women can fully enjoy their fundamental rights. It is appalling that women are still not paid equally with their male counterparts and are still not equally represented in business or politics and decision making positions. Women still experience limited access to education, unequal job opportunities while cases of violence against them have remained high.
There is an upsurge of rape cases in Zimbabwe and violence against women is a serious concern. Women suffer the effects of domestic, sexual and other forms of gender-based violence in the country. It is sad to note that such cases are still happening when we have the Domestic Violence Act hence more needs to be done by all stakeholders who include the community, legislature, executive and judiciary to ensure the problem of violence against women and children is dealt with holistically.
WiPSU urges women to vote for the draft constitution as it provides for gender equality and the protection of women from all forms of violence which include gender based and domestic violence.
WiPSU applauds efforts by women politicians who handed over a petition to Senate president Edna Madzongwe over rising cases of violence against women and children in Zimbabwe ahead of the referendum and general elections. More efforts need to be done for the total eradication of gender based violence.
WiPSU remains committed to fighting for a democratic space that allows for the respect of the rights of women. Under the 50/50 campaign, WiPSU urges everyone to vote for a woman, for a violence free Zimbabwe.
Together against violence, together we can make it! A promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women.
l Article compiled by Kudzai Bare, WIPSU information officer. For all enquiries, please contact WIPSU on [email protected], call on 0772 121 747/8
Online Reporter