By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
The Zimbabwe Electoral Support Network has stepped up efforts against gender based violence through working with other non-governmental organisations.
Since the beginning of the 16 Days Against Gender Based Violence, ZESN has been consistently churning out campaign material by way of animation, posters and other forms of media to raise awareness more so violence against women in elections in partnership with VAWE, a UN programme.
Other organizations working with ZESN include WIPSU and Wcoz to mention a few.
The social media is awash with campaigns by ZESN as it seeks to raise awareness among Zimbabweans.
A spokesperson said: “We always discourage political parties, members and party supporters to desist from electoral violence.”
“It is among the electoral reforms we have listed down on inter and intra party violence for women to participate in electoral processes.”
Gender-based violence is a serious concern in Zimbabwe as it is in the rest of the world.
At least 1 in every 3 women (15 – 49) have experienced physical violence (35%) while 1 in every 5 women (17%) have experienced sexual violence. In most cases, perpetrators are the intimate partners.
Other harmful practices such as child and early and forced marriages, which constitute a serious violation of the sexual, reproductive and health rights of women and girls in Zimbabwe, leading to higher rates of early pregnancy and increased risks of exposure to HIV and AIDS and high level of maternal mortality.
Gender-based violence is a well-documented human rights violation, a public health challenge, and a barrier to civic, social, political, and economic participation.
It undermines the safety, dignity, and overall health status, social and economic wellbeing of the individuals who experience it.
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