By Trevor Makonyonga
About three hundred people gathered today (Tuesday), marching against gender based violence in the town of Norton as part of rounding up 16 days of activism against gender based violence (GBV).
The march which ran under the theme ‘Orange the world: Generation Equality stands against Rape was conducted from Katanga Shopping Centre to the Salvation Army Church in Katanga.
The event, which attracted locals from around Norton, was coordinated by the Harare chapter of Women Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ).
WCoZ Harare chapter chairperson, Charity Mandishona expressed gratitude to have been joined by men in the march
“We are happy to have men and I urge you men to respect your partners who are your companions do not beat your wives. Even women are now beating men, hands are meant to work not to beat up others.”
She further said that GBV can be passed on to young children as a culture.
“When parents fight their children become violent also. GBV creates a violent Generation. Zimbabwe is a peaceful nation and to preserve the culture of peace by stopping acts of GBV,” she said.
Sergeant Dzapasi from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) victim friendly unit said that women should not trust men with children as all of them are potential rapists.
“Do not leave girls with men for long. All men are potential rapists so you should not trust men with girl children. There are other forms of abuse which include verbal and financial abuse,” she said.
Fabby Chitsubva from Women in Law of Southern Africa said that there are women who are giving children out for sex because of poverty.
“We have cases where we have heard of mothers selling their children for sex with adults. As Women we have to protect our children. Do not send children alone at night. Protect the girls please ,” she said.
Also in attendance were Norton Town Councilors, Norton Town Council social services officials among others.
Entertainment was provided by the Salvation Army Corps and Mbeu who gave a solo performance. Mbeu wowed the crowd when he covered Oliver Mtukudzi’s Hombiro and Tozeza Baba before singing his after hits Chimbada and Mavanga. His surprise act was the biggest highlight of the event.
