Statistics show that an overwhelming majority of the cases of violence in Zimbabwe are inflicted on women and girls. All too often, such violence goes unreported. This is because, in part, in many cultures women are treated with less regard than men.

Although Africa has had a long-standing tradition of unequal power relations between men and women, gender inequality is a worldwide phenomenon and no culture is immune to it. In fact, GBV in Zimbabwe cuts across cultural lines, economic status and religions. GBV activists cite that even high-powered business women can find themselves in abusive situations, even though they are economically independent or the breadwinner in their relationships.

The thing about GBV is that it is swept under the rug. No one wants to talk about it. It’s a silent, murky unpleasantness happening underneath the surface of everyday life. For some people, it becomes normal, and there is no way to even begin a discussion of the matter.

The key to combating this scourge is critiquing power and the ideas that revolve around masculinity and what it means to be a woman in this society. We live in a society that endorses and perpetuates an extraordinarily fixed hierarchy that cuts through all social conventions. This means that people understand themselves in relation to a power structure that places their choices, worth and actions in direct relation to others. In this way, how you imagine life and its consequences is pre-determined.

Crucially, women are staunchly defined in relation to the men in their lives. It starts with a father and is transferred to a husband, creating a power dynamic which privileges masculinity above all else. This is constantly shown in big and small ways every day and manifests in abusive behaviour or child marriages to reinforce this dynamic, to facilitate gain and allow and remind all parties to understand the status quo. It is a tricky, dangerous, insidious practice, which is why it is so prevalent and so hard to talk about. But it is a conversation that we must have.

How can a society hope to achieve its potential when more than half of its population is deprived of a seat at the table?

Violence against women prevents an economy from achieving its full potential:

Economic Cost of GBV

• Health care for victims including medical and psychological treatment
• Increased HIV prevalence
• Costs of policing including protection of victims
• Costs of legal activity
• Lower productivity due to absenteeism and staff turnover

Social Cost of GBV

• Psychological damage to victims and children
• Breakdown of the family unit due to divorce or death, including suicide
• Neglect or injury of children
• Poor quality of life and well-being
• Substance abuse

If you or anyone you know are currently victims of gender-based violence, please contact the following organizations for assistance:

Musasa Project

Provides legal services and temporary shelter to survivors of gender-based violence.

Address: 64 Selous Ave

Tel: 725881, 08080074

Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association

Provides free legal services to women and children.

Address: 17 Fife Ave

Tel: 703766, 706676, 706751, 708491, 0772 884 942

Email: zwla@zwla.co.zw

Childline/ZRP Victim-Friendly Unit

Address: 31 Frank Johnson Ave, Eastlea

Tel: 796741, 793715, 252000, 116

Adult Rape Clinic

Address: Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Ward C9, Parirenyatwa Hospital, Avondale

Tel: 2918266, 0775 672 770, 0733 406 292

Email: v.iliff@adultrapeclinic.org.zw, m.kurangwa@adultrapeclinic.org.zw, pmuranda@adultrapeclinic.org.zw

Image Credit: GBV statistics courtesy of UNFPA Zimbabwe