A Silence Too Long Broken
The dimly lit streets of Harare’s high-density suburbs are often a reflection of the city’s inner turmoil. It’s on these streets that the faces of survivors of gender-based violence are etched with the trauma of a society that seems unwilling to listen. For decades, Zimbabwe has been grappling with one of the highest rates of violence against women in the world. But amidst this entrenched silence, a glimmer of hope emerged last week as survivors of gender-based violence spoke out against plans to abolish the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC). The commission, which was established in 2009 to investigate and address cases of violence against women and girls, has been a beacon of hope for many who thought their voices would never be heard.
The stakes are high, as plans to disband the ZGC could leave vulnerable women without protection or support. According to a report by the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, between 2018 and 2020, there were over 10,000 reported cases of gender-based violence in the country. These numbers are likely an underestimation, as many cases go unreported due to fear, stigma, and lack of trust in institutions. The removal of the ZGC would not only undermine the progress made in addressing this scourge but also send a devastating message to survivors that their suffering is not taken seriously.
A Commission Born of Courage and Resilience
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission was born out of a long and arduous process of advocacy and activism by women’s rights groups and civil society organizations. In the aftermath of the violent and repressive regime of President Robert Mugabe, women’s rights activists pushed for the establishment of a commission that would address the endemic violence against women. The commission’s mandate was clear: to investigate cases of violence, provide support to survivors, and advocate for policy reforms that would prevent future cases. Over the years, the ZGC has played a critical role in documenting cases of violence, providing counseling and medical services to survivors, and pushing for policy changes that would hold perpetrators accountable.
But the commission’s work has not been without its challenges. Despite its efforts, the ZGC has faced significant obstacles, including limited resources, bureaucratic red tape, and a lack of political will to address the root causes of violence. In 2019, the commission’s chairperson was forced to resign after receiving death threats from an unknown assailant. This incident highlighted the risks faced by those who speak out against violence and the need for greater protection and support for human rights defenders.
A Culture of Silence and Complicity
The silence around gender-based violence in Zimbabwe is not unique to the country. Across the continent, women and girls continue to face staggering levels of violence, often with impunity. In many African societies, violence against women is perpetuated by a complex web of cultural, social, and economic factors. In some communities, women are seen as subordinate to men, and their bodies are viewed as a symbol of family honor. The silence around these issues is often compounded by a culture of complicity, where perpetrators are protected and survivors are blamed.
However, there are signs of change. In recent years, there has been a growing movement of women’s rights activists, artists, and writers who are using their voices to challenge the status quo. In Zimbabwe, the #MeToo movement has sparked a national conversation about violence against women, with many survivors speaking out against their perpetrators. The movement has also inspired a new generation of young people, who are demanding action from their leaders to address the scourge of violence.
Reactions and Implications
The announcement of plans to abolish the ZGC has sparked widespread outrage, with many civil society organizations, women’s rights groups, and politicians condemning the move. The Zimbabwean government has defended its decision, citing financial constraints and a need for structural reforms. However, critics argue that the move is a thinly veiled attempt to silence the voices of survivors and perpetuate a culture of impunity.
The implications of this move are far-reaching. If the ZGC is disbanded, survivors of gender-based violence will be left without a critical institution that provides them with support and protection. The removal of the commission will also undermine the progress made in addressing the scourge of violence, sending a devastating message to survivors that their suffering is not taken seriously.
A Long and Difficult Road Ahead
As the debate around the ZGC rages on, one thing is clear: the road ahead will be long and difficult. For survivors of gender-based violence, the stakes are high, and the consequences of inaction will be dire. However, there are reasons to be hopeful. The growing movement of women’s rights activists, artists, and writers is a testament to the power of collective action and the determination of those who refuse to be silenced.
As the Zimbabwean government navigates this complex issue, it must be mindful of the voices of survivors and the risks they face. The removal of the ZGC would not only be a setback for women’s rights but also a betrayal of the trust placed in the government to protect its citizens. The government must take a bold step forward and commit to strengthening the ZGC, rather than dismantling it. Only then can Zimbabwe truly begin to break free from the shackles of violence and build a brighter future for all its citizens.