By Dr MASIMBA MAVAZA SENETOR Monica Mutsvangwa, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services and the ZANU PF Women’s League Secretary for Administration, has expressed strong views on gender-based violence, particularly rape. She has called for the castration of rapists, highlighting the severity of the issue and the need for stringent measures to address it. Presenting the women’s league resolutions at the ZANU PF 22nd annual National Conference in Mutare, Minister Mutsvangwa emphatically implored the conference to ratify the resolution and appoint only women judges to preside over rape and sexual abuse cases. Mutsvangwa’s stance reflects a broader concern about gender-based violence in Zimbabwe, with many advocating for harsher punishments for perpetrators. The topic is complex, and opinions on appropriate punishments vary widely.Senator Mutsvangwa argued that women judges will understand the emotions and trauma that women who are victims will go through in cases of sexual abuse. She argues that it would serve as a deterrent to potential perpetrators. It could be seen as a fitting punishment for a crime that violates a person’s bodily autonomy. While others contend that Castration is a form of cruel and unusual punishment, which could raise human rights concerns. It may not address the underlying causes of rape and could potentially lead to further violence. The conversation around gender-based violence and appropriate punishments is ongoing, with different perspectives and solutions being explored Post navigation Unity in the Tent, Tension in the Presidium?: Muchinguri-Kashiri’s Rallying Cry Amid Perceived ZANU PF’s Internal Fractures Liberation Camps Were Altars of Sacrifice, Not Bases of Corruption