Zimpapers Logo

Tafadzwa Ndlovu and Albert Chavhunduka
Musasa Project recorded at least 12 000 cases of gender-based violence last year, with most of the perpetrators being victims’ relatives or church leaders.
Speaking at belated International Women’s Day commemorations in Harare yesterday, Msasa Project director Ms Netty Musanhu bemoaned this state of affairs.

“In 2013 from July to December, Msasa Project managed to assist 444 survivors of rape and abuse who were aged between the ages of 12 to 17. Our youngest survivor is 12 years old. GBV cases are greatly increasing and it is time we break the silence and fight as women to eradicate GBV problems,” she said.

“Those who commit crimes such as stocktheft are thrown straight into jail but people who perpetrate crimes such as rape are found walking freely on the streets. The men who rape are given community service for such a crime but those who steal goats go to jail.”

Some of the young survivors testified before President Mugabe how they were abused, blanketing the venue with a sombre atmosphere.
“I am 14 years old and was raped by my brother. He threatened to kill me if I said anything to anyone so I stayed quiet for a while until it was discovered that I was pregnant,” she said.

“The matter was taken to the courts where he was sentenced to eight years in jail but I am still pregnant with his baby. At the court they said I was not able to terminate the pregnancy because of my age. That is when I was taken to Musasa Project where they are taking good care of me.”

Another 14-year-old girl brought tears to many eyes when she narrated her ordeal.
“I am 14 years old and I was raped by my cousin brother (sic). When they found out that I was raped, I was sent to live with my other relatives where my uncle also raped me, so in essence I was raped twice by my relatives.

“My concern is that I want an education and wonder if I am able to go back to school after this. I recently gave birth to the child but my heart bleeds knowing that the person who raped me just went scot-free whilst he robbed me of my future,” she said.

Another girl cried as she spoke of how her uncle raped her but the family did not believe her.
“What I just want is to go for a paternity test to prove that my uncle is the father of this child. I am very saddened because I am no longer going to school because of this pregnancy,” she said.

Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development Minister Oppah Muchinguri appealed to President Mugabe to assist her ministry in eradicating GBV.

“You declared war against political violence and my heart bleeds when I talk about gender-based violence. We ask you to help us declare war against gender-based violence.”

Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province Miriam Chikukwa urged all Zimbabweans to enhance gender equality and women’s empowerment.