Voices for Change: ZRP’s Stand Against Gender-Based Violence

By Ilyana Sithole

The world is observing the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police stands in solidarity with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development in this critical campaign. On Day 4 of the activism period, the opening of the Mpilo One-Stop Centre provided a platform for Chief Superintendent Mhandu to convey a powerful message on behalf of Commissioner General T.G. Matanga. This year’s theme comes to call people together in the fight for ending violence against women and girls, befitting the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

A Commitment to Protect
Its mandate is, therefore, clear: to detect, investigate, and prevent crime, especially GBV. Chief Superintendent Mhandu reiterated that their Victim-Friendly Unit handles the cases of GBV with professionalism, confidentiality, and speed. It is important to ensure that survivors receive the necessary attention, hence a reflection of commitment, which the ZRP has toward the rights and freedoms of women and girls in Zimbabwe.

Mhandu’s statements underlined the community’s involvement in the fight against GBV. “We call upon the public to report all cases of Gender-Based Violence to our Police stations, which are open to everyone,” she said. This message underlines the reliance of the ZRP on cooperation and trust from the community if it is to effectively address the scourge of GBV.

Addressing the Reality of GBV
The acts of Gender-Based Violence remain some of the serious human rights violations affecting people across the divide. Mhandu lamented the tragic reality of domestic violence and sexual offenses, saying it was deeply saddening, as it affects the family and the community. According to statistics from the ZRP, rape and domestic violence cases continue to increase, most of whose perpetrators are known to the victims.

To this end, the ZRP has launched safety awareness campaigns to enlighten members of the public on the measures that needed to be taken. “An informed person is an armed person,” Mhandu said, urging people, in particular, women and girls, to be more vigilant and take heed of their surroundings. She warned against walking alone in isolated areas and instead urged the use of registered public transport to reduce risks.

Empowering the Next Generation
Assistant Inspector Museveni also contributed with a touching insight as to why GBV has to be fought from scratch. She called upon parents to be more concerned about their children’s activities, particularly during school breaks and festive seasons, warning of “vuzu parties” that mostly lead to substance abuse and sexual violence. As she said, “Don’t go there. Period.”

This is a preventative approach in which the involvement of parents in the lives of children is facilitated through open communication regarding the risks they face. The insight by Museveni reflects a broader societal responsibility in protecting the most vulnerable members of the community.

Dos and Don’ts for Avoiding Exposure to GBV
In the face of these alarming rates of gender-based violence, both the ZRP and community leaders echo practical strategies for individuals to look after themselves. Some of the important dos and don’ts are listed herein:
Dos:
1. Be Informed: Understand signs of GBV and how it is dealt with. An informed person is a more powerful person.

2. Report Incidents: If you or someone you know experiences or witnesses GBV, report it immediately to the nearest police station or a trusted authority.

3. Keep Communicating: Talk to friends and family about your safety. Share your whereabouts and plans with someone you trust.

4. Travel in Groups: Travel with friends or family wherever possible, especially in places you are not very sure of or where you feel insecure.

5. Use Registered Transport: Always go for registered taxis or public transport while traveling.

6. Secure Your Home: Use of burglar bars and appropriate lighting around your house deters intruders at your home.

7. Teach Children About Safety: Educate children on how to identify unsafe situations and train them to report uncomfortable meetings.

8. Look Out for Each Other: Build a network where friends and family show that they care about one another.

Don’ts:
1. Don’t Ignore Warning Signs: If you notice concerning behavior in someone, whether he is your friend or partner, do not ignore it; take this seriously.

2. Don’t Share Personal Info: One should be very conservative before posting one’s location or any personal details on social media, especially among people whom they don’t know too well.

3. Avoid Walking Alone at Night: Avoid walking in dark or deserted areas at night since most incidents of GBV take place along these routes.

4. Avoid Unregistered Transport: Do not get into an unregistered taxi or private hire vehicle; your safety may be compromised.

5. Do Not Stay Silent: If you experience or witness GBV, do not keep it to yourself. Silence maintains violence.

6. Shun Risky Behaviors: Avoid attending parties or functions where substance abuse is high, as such settings make one susceptible to GBV.

7. Let Us Not Blame the Victim: Change the narrative by believing survivors and holding perpetrators accountable. Creating an empathetic and understanding atmosphere is important.

8. Do Not Isolate Yourself: Stay in close contact with friends and family. Isolation exposes one to abuse situations.

The Importance of Reporting
The most frequent call, which emanated from all the messages delivered at the One-Stop Centre, was the call for the urgent need to report on the incidences of GBV: “You have to report as early as possible; don’t hide it,” urged Museveni in adding that victims should not remain tight-lipped. This call to action is imperative in breaking the cycles of violence and ensuring accountability among perpetrators.

This commitment of support to those coming forward is reinforced in their collaboration in support through counseling and assistance from partner organizations. Grater milestones have been achieved with the establishment of the One-Stop Centre, which provides survivors with a comprehensive range of services in a secure environment.

A Unified Effort
In light of the continued commitment to eliminating GBV by the ZRP, community solidarity now becomes cardinal. Collaboration with other local organizations and the focus on creating public awareness help to raise this message: GBV is no longer tolerable and has to be challenged collectively.

The 2024 Police Solidarity Message goes with the ringing reminder: “We stand together to say NO to any form of GBV.” As the campaign gets rolling, it is time people become more active, report incidents, and support each other in this fight against violence.

Although the road ahead may be very broad, through unity, strong commitment is what the ZRP enforces in the community toward a safer future of women and girls in Zimbabwe.