CIVIC groups have launched anti-domestic and political violence campaigns in Bulawayo in what they say is an attempt to rid the city of the scourge that has left thousands injured, displaced or killed since independence. NQOBANI NDLOVU STAFF REPORTER
The campaign, dubbed “Visions for Zimbabwe”, was launched at the National Art Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo on Friday by the civic groups under the umbrella body Beyond Violence.
Beyond Violence is an international movement whose local chapters comprise Christian Youth Volunteers’ Association, Youth Voices Network and Poetry Bulawayo organisations.
“We are part of an international movement Beyond Violence which fights against gender-based violence, political violence and children’s rights.
“Our goal is to have a violence-free nation and we work with poets who preach messages of peace to the communities around Zimbabwe,” Beyond Violence local chapter campaign manager Meck Sibanda said at the launch.
Sibanda said the campaigns had so far been taken to Binga, Harare and “we are now in Bulawayo”.
According to a study by the Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development ministry, nearly 68% of women have suffered gender-based violence perpetrated by men.
Msasa Project that provides counselling and temporary shelter to women survivors of domestic violence has claimed that it records nearly 300 cases of violence against women every month.
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Women’s organisations have called for stiffer penalties of up to 20-year jail sentences against men for beating up women.
Men’s organisations like the Varume Svinurai/Vukani Madoda argue that men face violence from women citing the Domestic Violence Act that has broadened the definition of domestic violence to encompass all wicked acts perpetrated against men.
Zimbabwe has also continued to experience political violence, especially during the election campaigns dating back from independence.
Sibanda said their vision was to see Zimbabwe free from political and gender-based violence.
“So far we have received positive responses from communities we engaged around the country.
“Zimbabweans don’t want violence and our aim is to make sure our nation is 100% free from violence,” he added.
