GOVERNMENT and its development partners should activate mitigatory measures to fight gender-based violence (GBV) in Zimbabwe, women said yesterday.
Speaking on the sidelines of belated GBV commemorations by ActionAid in partnership with Katswe Sistahood, women expressed concern that GBV continues to claim lives.
“I am a survivor of GBV and, therefore, I urge both men and women in partnership with relevant stakeholders to put an end to this evil,” said Gladys Chihozhwa of Zone 1, Hopley.
“We should all raise our voices against this evil as silence can only breed death and trauma that haunts individuals and families for eternity.”
Another resident, Diana Juta added: “The campaign against GBV can help young girls and women to find their voice in a world drowned in patriarchal tendencies.”
Samantha Isaac said GBV was a social evil which needed to be eradicated before more lives were lost.
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“The country over, cases of violence are skyrocketing and women are living in fear without knowing their rights. As young girls and women, we cry out to every stakeholder out there with the power to protect us,” she said.
Zimbabwe has recorded 16 444 cases of GBV and 31 deaths since January this year, with men cited as the main perpetrators.