Marching for Justice: Community Unites Against Gender-Based Violence in Matabeleland South

By Ilyana Sithole

Musasa organized a solidarity march in Mawabeni Community just before the start of the commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, meant to raise awareness in a region where 1 out of every 3 women experiences some form of violence. Such an event was an important opportune time to sensitize the community on the ills of living with GBV and the benefits accruable from living in a society free of violence.

These were participants of all ages, from the youngest child to adults, united in this fight against GBV. The participants were carrying placards that carried the message of awareness, respect, and standing together against violence. This event was to ensure that there was open discussion on the impacts of GBV deeply rooted in the cultural norms and worsened by the economic challenges faced within the province.

Understanding the Root Cause
Matabeleland South was chosen in line with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development’s decentralisation and devolution program, an alignment to the vision 2030 mantra of living no one and no place behind, and for this initiative due to its alarming statistics on GBV. However, while cultural expectations have maintained women in abusive relationships, limited economic opportunities have created a barrier for many women from exiting abusive relationships. Musasa main objective for the solidarity march was to address these issues by equipping the people with knowledge of their rights and the resources available, thus creating an enabling environment for the survivors.

The Consequences of Gender-Based Violence
The negative impacts of GBV go deep and run far and wide. Survivors commonly experience physical and emotional trauma, which often leads them into long-term psychological problems that include anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. GBV also has destructive impacts on the family and community, contributing to cycles of violence and instability.

GBV also inhibits the potential of women to fully participate in society economically through a reduction in their access to education and employment. It creates a vicious circle of poverty and dependence from which victims barely break free. Children who witness GBV are likely to grow up with behavioral problems, joining in the perpetuation circle of violence during their later years of relationships.

The Need to End Gender-Based Violence
Preventing gender-based violence will not only promote individual development and well-being but also guarantee the development of society as a whole. In such an environment, free from violence, women can give their full contribution to their communities and economies, translating into better health and more stable families and societies.

The march emphasized that everyone has a role to play in ending GBV. By fostering awareness, encouraging open conversations, and providing support to survivors, communities can create a culture that respects and values all individuals, regardless of gender.

Dignitaries Support the Cause
The march was further highlighted with the presence of religious organisations, civil society partners, government departments among others. After the march, Honourable Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, and the Permanent Secretary Mavis Sibanda, and dignitaries from UN Women, UNFPA among others toured exhibition stands, which showcased organizations committed to battling GBV. These displays highlighted vital information on resources available to the survivors and what is being done on the ground.

The presence of government officials underlined a collective commitment to addressing GBV and supporting initiatives that empower women and girls. Their presence therefore drove the message home that combating violence is everybody’s business, requiring an active collaboration of the community and the policy world.

Call to Action
The Mawabeni community solidarity march was one of the big steps towards ending gender-based violence in Matabeleland South. This is meant to bring about change through education and community participation so that all may live without fear.

As attendees waited for the rest of the programme to unfold, the desire of every person was that this event would be a starting point for continued discussions and efforts at eradicating GBV until the world was finally set free for all, fairly and safely. Musasa’s solidarity march brings into focus that if combined with solidarity and education, this status quo can be defied and work toward an eventual end to gender-based violence.