By Tendai Chisiri
More than 4 000 women thronged the Gwanzura Stadium in Highfield on Saturday to commemorate 16 Days of Activism against gender based organised by the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ).
Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) under the theme, “Orange the World” held the commemorations with intent for the women to know their goal and mission as an organisation.
Ronika Mumbire, chairperson of WCoZ gave an outline of who they are and whom they represent as an organisation.
“7 out of 10 women have suffered GBV in their life whilst 3 out of 10 women have been married before reaching 18 years.It is against this background that WCoZ will continue to bring the Constitution to women”, said the chairperson.
Among the gathering were members from different government and no-governmental organisations and also partners to the cause to end Gender Based Violence(GBV).
Clever Mukazi, a person living with disability in a sideline interview recounted horror tales associated with gender based violence among People Living With Disability(PLWD).He hailed WCoZ for their effort to bring the Constitution to everyone.
“For PsWD , the Constitution says PWDs should be helped when resources are available. This makes us not be outcasts in societies”, he said.
Clever Mukazi is a musician with Peace Band based in Hopley.
Councillors from Norton, Cllr Precious Mufakore of Ward 6, Rosemary Chionyera of Ward 4 and Cllr Yovani Tapera of Ward 10 concurred that GBV was real and women should fight for it to end .
“By 2023, we should have 50-50 gender balanced leadership”, said Cllr Precious Mufakore.
Commissioners for the Constitution also elaborated on their efforts to have GBV eradicated. Thandiwe Chidavarume, Director of Women and Land said because women are also producers in the agricultural sector, they should also possess land.
“Over 19% of food consumed in Africa is produced by women when only 15, 5% is owned by women. We advocate for one women one hectare policy”, she told the gathering.
The same event will be happen in Bulawayo on December 7 at White City Stadium.