22 Mar 2019
The International Women’s Day 2019 campaign theme of #BalanceforBetter is a call-to-action for driving gender balance across the world. Better the balance, better the world. This day seeks to celebrate women’s achievements while calling for a more gender-balanced world. It aims to highlight the importance of creating conditions for the elimination of discrimination against women and for their full and equal participation in socio economic development. Hence the need for a better world that takes into cognizance the plight of women and how their sacrifices can be both treasured and addressed.
This day first emerged from the activities of labor movements in the Global north. The first gathering for its commemorations was conducted in 1911. Since then, the day has been celebrated annually on the 8th of March, and adopted as a rallying point to build support for women’s rights and participation.
Today, the International Women’s Day is commemorated in many countries; it is a day that celebrates womanhood. While today’s woman is juggling between various roles, she is still struggling to find her footing. The average woman is still juggling housework, motherhood, community roles and that of corporate work. The average woman still gets off a bus where she is manhandled rather than raise voice for her rights. The average woman still gets left out of social bonding over late night drinking sessions and probably gets left out of crucial decisions as well.
There are many challenges that women are facing, the International Day of Women is celebrated simply because the original aim to achieve full gender equality for women in the world has not been fully realized. Women are still facing challenges compared to their male counterparts, for example in business and political spaces, a gender pay gap continues to persist despite efforts made to address gender disparity. Figures show that globally, women’s education, health and violence towards women is still worse than that of men. Even in Zimbabwe there is still high prevalence of violence against women and girls. The issue of child marriages in most parts of Zimbabwe especially the rural and peri – urban areas is still being perpetuated. Zimbabwe as a nation continues to record high rates of violence against women, in particular, rape cases. According to Zimbabwe National Statistical Agency, recent statistics for the first quarter of 2018 released in May last year recorded that 7 394 rape cases were reported in 2017. The home is not the only spot for abuse, there is the work place and several public places. Children are also exposed to abuse with most of it coming from close relatives. All duty bearers need to work hand in glove to address the plight of women and girls for an enabling environment to reach their potential.
In particular rural women and girls in Zimbabwe are often exposed to all forms of abuse due to poverty, patriarchy and marginalization. Statistics has it that women are engaged in most unpaid work and in rural areas they rely on subsistence farming. With the current poor rains one wonders how they will cope. Young women have not been spared by these hard times. Some end up resorting to transacting sex for a living. They are forced by hard situations into early marriages; this has many consequences as they drop out of school, and have complications in pregnancy, contract sexually transmitted diseases. Some end up with unwanted pregnancies, forcing them into unsafe abortion and complications from high risk pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. On International women’s Day, women across the world come together to force the world to recognize these inequalities while also celebrating the achievements of women who have overcome some of these barriers. According to a 2017 report by the World Economic Forum, it could still take another 100 years before the global equality gap between men and women disappear entirely, the gender gap won’t close until 2186. Hence the need to continue working tirelessly to prevent such a delay towards a balanced world.
International Women’s Day is a worldwide event with a human rights theme, highlighting the social, economic, cultural and political achievements and contributions made by women. The day also sees demonstrations and protests aiming to further gender equality. It is a focal point in the movement for women’s rights. In some areas the day has become an occasion to express appreciation for women in general. International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities. This day aims to highlight the importance of creating conditions for the elimination of discrimination against women and for their full and equal participation in social development.
The idea of this theme # BalanceForBetter is to consider how to accelerate the 2030 Agenda, building momentum for the effective achievement of gender equality and empower all women and girls. Celebrating womanhood, the power endowed in women and mobilization of human capital, should interact to find solutions to issues affecting them and impeding their
progress in today’s environment. A woman is a nurturer, educator, in most cases a primary caregiver taking care of her loved ones even when she herself is in pain or ill. In society and the workplace in general women have so much more to overcome, be it various forms of violations, discrimination or stereotypes, hence they need to gain their rightful place, garnish respect and support from not only men but other women in their midst.
Women make up more than half the population in the country but there are largely underrepresented in decision making positions. The general paucity of women in decision making risks replicating gender inequality and dispersing discriminatory attitudes within communities. Yet this is happening in the era of empowerment. It is still a struggle to see women in positions associated with power, hence the need to dismantle structural gender inequalities in order to adequately voice the concerns of society for both men and women. We cannot wait for change to drop like manna from heaven. Sarah Ruddick, a feminist, views women as better leaders, because of motherhood women are more sensitive to issues that affect people hence they lead from a more humane centered perspective. It is through our own transformational efforts as women that we can land ourselves in better positions. We need brilliant, creative, honest and caring people to take part in leading our world and these incredible qualities can be found in women. This is a call for Zimbabwean women to act, even towards the 2023 elections, to also partake in taking the positions of power and we quote Dr. Sithembiso Nyoni’s sentiments on the World day of Prayer where she urged Christian Women to join politics, as we serve our country by being politicians.
The Zimbabwean government has paid allegiance to international and regional instruments and adopted a progressive constitution that takes into cognizance the plight of women. However this has been a contentious matter on the ground as there is a general consensus that efforts being made are not fully implemented as we still witness large gender gaps. Women still possess the room to push for more policy changes in Zimbabwe
We commend the women who have broken down barriers, who have entered in the domains previously regarded as preserves of men. Women can climb up the career ladder provided the environment is conducive and they are willing to do so. We appreciate women who have made it life and climbed up the corporate ladder despite the barriers encountered. Those who have made significant strides such as the former Vice President Joyce Mujuru, the female ministers, the first female mayor, Angeline Kasipo, women CEO’s and chairpersons, female clergy such as Eunor Guti to mention but a few. As the YWCA motto reiterates ‘By love we serve one another, and lift each other as we climb’. It is an appeal to women leaders to tirelessly uplift and support fellow women. Hence they should strive to be transformative leaders.
According to Sarah Ruddick, a mother’s gender attitude is more influential than the father’s in shaping children’s gender views. Hence our gender awareness as women will go a long way in transforming the gender perspectives of future generations.
The IWD is a reminder that women need to be appreciated, loved and their contributions in society recognized. It is a time to give thumbs up to all the women who have fought the good fight and managed to break the ceiling of barriers. This is a call to action to accelerate gender parity, for unity, reflection and action for a better, gender balanced world, #BalanceforBetter
Young Women Christian Association of Zimbabwe (YWCA) is a non-profit making, charitable organization which was established in 1894 in some global north countries and in Zimbabwe it was established in 1957 by women who united to support fellowship among women of different Christian backgrounds. The organization was formed out of the recognition that women and girls are not socially and economically empowered, so it realized the need to empower them in body, spirit and mind. In a bid to ensure that today’s woman is walking the path in equally strong strides alongside a man.
In doing this the organization recognizes the following values which are human dignity, justice and freedom. The organization complies with Christian principles of peaceful nations through peaceful co-existences in the homes. YWCA seeks to contribute towards eradication of poverty in women and to dislodge social injustices with the consciousness that as a nation we must form a gender sensitive, prosperous and a stable society to lessen the plight of women. In the light of such discoveries YWCA established economic empowerment centers in Harare, Bindura, Gweru and Bulawayo where young women are able to pursue their studies in vocational trainings. YWCA has embarked on projects to uplift the economic and social status of women through empowerment trainings, SRHR trainings, leadership and development trainings among other efforts. YWCA is an affiliate of the World YWCA based in Geneva, Switzerland.
Muchanyara Mukamuri, Ivy Shelly Begede, and Tavonga Mhungu
8 Mar 2019
As a feminist I have a plethora of reasons to celebrate International Women’s Day. I see this as a day to push for affirmative action while celebrating women. Of course as women we have a lot of issues that need to be addressed but that should not stop us from celebrating ourselves.
I have often been asked what is so special about the day and I will never tire from giving this history lesson.
Here’s the short lesson, International Women’s Day is annually commemorated on March 8 to celebrate women’s achievements throughout history and across nations. It is also known as the United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace. The first International Women’s Day occurred on March 19 in 1911. The inaugural event, which included rallies and meetings, was a big success in countries such as Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. The March 19 date was chosen because it commemorated the day that the Prussian king promised to introduce votes for women in 1848.
The promise gave hope for equality. The UN drew global attention to women’s concerns in 1975 by calling for an International Women’s Year. It also convened the first conference for women in Mexico City that year. The UN General Assembly then invited member states to proclaim March 8 as the UN Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace in 1977. The day aimed to help nations worldwide eliminate discrimination against women. It also focused on helping women gain full and equal participation in global development.
International Men’s Day is also celebrated on November 19 each year. I’m definitely going to celebrate this too and I will write something as well.
I hope I didn’t lose you in our history lesson, so now that you know why we celebrate International Women’s Day. I thought I should share why as a proud black African woman I celebrate it and maybe motivate you to also celebrate it.
For me it’s a day of reflecting on the past and current initiatives successful or otherwise to address gender inequalities and injustices. It’s a day to celebrate different women who did varying things for women to be where they are today. It’s a day that I celebrate my female friends, co-workers, female faith based leaders, stay at home mothers, female vendors, females in the security sector, females with disabilities and many others pushing for empowerment of a woman.
For me it’s a day to remind me that I need to do more so my daughter, niece, sister, mother, aunt, grandma and granddaughter can fully enjoy being a woman. I hope you will also find your reason of celebrating the day. I hope that my family, colleagues, community, country and the world can become woman friendly. With that I say woMandla!!!
Tadiwanashe Burukai is a freelance writer and advocate for sexual reproductive health and rights. She writes for Khulumaafrika.com and also contributes to NANGO platforms. @TadieBurukai
8 Mar 2019
One death and five cholera cases have been recorded at Mont Dor and Karara resettlement areas in Shamva following a portable water disconnection that has gone on for over five weeks.
Due to the water supply disconnection at Shamva Gold Mine by Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) the mine is reportedly temporarily supplying approximately 4000 residents with untreated water drawn from Mazowe River. The mine is said to be discouraging residents for drinking the water.
It is unfortunate that ZINWA engages in retrogressive measures like arbitrary water disconnections, an infringement of the right to safe, clean and portable water.
Community Water Alliance has noted with concern, the use of outdated regulations and water by-laws by state institutions that permit disconnecting water supply. Stakeholders must take into consideration Section 86 of the 2013 Constitution of Zimbabwe which states may be limited only in terms of a law of general application and to the extent that the limitation is fair, reasonable, necessary and justifiable in a democratic society based on openness, justice, human dignity, equality and freedom, taking into account all relevant factors.
The nature of the right to water is such that it is linked to the rights to life and health. The purpose of disconnecting water affects public safety, public health and public interest. With 4000 people at risk in Shamva, ZINWA’s water disconnection has gone beyond a reasonable limitation.
ZINWA has the option of issuing summons to recover its debt from Shamva Gold mine. The water disconnection by ZINWA is therefore unfair, unreasonable, unnecessary and unjustifiable in a democratic society. It defies openness, justice, human dignity, equality and freedom of the residents.
Arbitrary water disconnections justify Community Water Alliance’s calls for review of water disconnection by-laws so that they echo provisions of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
27 Feb 2019
It has dawned on me that we can’t spend a day without someone releasing a sex tape. Almost every morning on Facebook there’s someone asking if you’ve seen the video and another person offering to send it to your inbox.
Filming that takes place behind closed doors may be a personal choice since we have different views and opinions about sex and sexual preferences. I don’t judge your personal choices trust me, I am anything but perfect. My issue is on consent. Do people consent before recording the video? Do they actually know that someone is recording them? What are the circumstances leading to distribution of a video that was shot with the consent of the people engaged in the sexual act?
People always say why did one consent to recording a video in the first place. What of those who did not consent to the recording? What of those who did not consent to publicity of the tapes? After circulation of sex tapes some have lost their jobs, scholarships, opportunities as well as relationships with family, church and friends. Others have even committed suicide.
Allegedly, in most cases these also turn out to be cases of revenge porn. Revenge porn, according to The draft Cyber Crimes and Cyber Security Bill of Zimbabwe, is the revealing of sexually explicit images or videos of a person by posting on the Internet, typically by a former sexual partner, without the consent of the subject and in order to cause them distress or embarrassment. Simply put, revenge porn is the sharing of private sexual materials with intent to cause distress.
In the paragraphs to follow I intend to shed light on those that have been a victim of revenge porn directly or indirectly and are wondering what they can do to seek redress.
So what does the Zimbabwean Law say about this?
Zimbabwe legal framework on revenge porn and cyber-bullying
The current legal framework lacks protection of victims of revenge porn or cyber-bullying. The relief available for victims remains of a civil nature where one can claim damages for defamation of character, pain and suffering and loss of income for a ruined reputation etc. As such the lack of a criminal resort still costs the victim in civil suit costs. Be that as it may, there is hope as there is a cyber crime and cyber security legal framework being tabled before Parliament. The 2017 Bill is very comprehensive provides for cyber-related offences with due regard to the Declaration of Rights under the Constitution. Of particular interest is sections 16 and 19. Section 16 provides that cyber-bullying and harassment are offences and the perpetrators of such offences are liable to a fine or imprisonment. Section 19 goes further to address situations where there has been transmission of intimate material without consent. Both these offences have become very common in this digital age. Despite the Bill having other shortfalls and succumbing to criticism by human rights activists on its infringement on freedom of expression, it is a step in the rights direction for victims of revenge porn and cyber bullying.
Thus it can be noted that revenge porn is still a sticky issue and currently no law or legislation has been enacted that address such crimes.
The two authors discourage sharing of explicit/nude pictures or videos of yourself, sexual partner or anyone as one may never know where these might end up. The article was written by Tadiwanashe Burukai and Ruwadzano Makumbe, advocates for human rights.
26 Feb 2019
The Minister of Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has welcomed self regulation of Non- Governmental Organisations (NGOs), an initiative that will improve the quality of services provided by NGOs by helping NGOs to adopt high standards of conduct and to devise efficient decision-making processes.
The Minister of Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi, said “Like any other institution there should be a policy that outlines the regulation of NGOs one that should not be imposed but crafted by NGOs themselves.”
The minister added that he wants to gain a fuller understanding of the operations of NGOs in the new dispensation.
“I am studying how my office can relook at the work that NGOs are doing because I intend to fully appreciate NGO work in Zimbabwe. There are some NGOs that have been doing things that are not patriotic and this brings the need for a policy that is guided by the constitution,” he said.
The minister said this at a meeting requested by the National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) to forge the best way to work together with the ministry and build meaningful synergies for the enhancement of justice, law and order in Zimbabwe.
NANGO has always believed that the best form of regulation of the NGO community is self-regulation and not heavy-handed government regulation. By taking responsibility for ensuring the NGOs adhere to commonly accepted standards, the NGO community is engaging in a system of self-regulation, self-governance and self-discipline. Without such a system in place, the government will intercede to regulate this sector.
The purpose of self regulation will certainly not be to constrain or hinder NGOs from carrying out their socially beneficial work; it will simply articulate the common value system of NGOs and try to provide a set of common standards to which NGOs can subscribe. These standards are designed to strengthen the NGO sector, improve the quality and impact of the service delivery by NGOs and increase transparency and accountability by NGOs.
Self regulation will outline norms, principles and values which can be used to ensure ethical behaviour by all those involved in NGO activity. It provides that NGOs as are voluntary, not-for-profit, non self-serving, non-governmental, non-partisan and independent organisations which are involved in the promotion of social justice and development.
NGOs have been in the forefront of the campaign to make governments and private corporations more open, transparent and accountable for their activities. NGOs themselves should therefore ensure that they too perform their work in an open, transparent and accountable manner. Strengthening accountability increases legitimacy among the public, policy makers and the donor community.
Minister Ziyambi met with NANGO National Board Chairperson, Wadzanayi Vere, leader of the children’s sector Rev. Taylor Nyanhete, Northern Region Boad Chairperson, Ronika Mumbire, and the Executive Director, Leonard Mandishara.
26 Feb 2019
Prison is as far as the sentencing road goes for offenders in Zimbabwe, but does not need to be the end of the world. ”We want to give inmates a shot at being a good member of society – that’s what we’re here for,” echoes Leeman Dube the Director of Simphiwe Development Trust. Simphiwe Development Trust in affiliation with the National University of Science and Technology (Nust), piloted an inmates’ ICT skills training program at Grey Prison in Bulawayo. A first of its kind program in Zimbabwean Prisons. A total of Seventeen (17) inmates after undergoing a 4months training graduated with an ICDL certificate on the 19th of December 2018 at Grey Prison in Bulawayo. The course was facilitated by facilitators from Simphiwe Development Trust and accredited by the National University of Science and Technology.
The graduation event was graced by ZPCS Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Advisory Board member Dr Lucky Mlilo, senior ZPCS Officers from the Bulawayo Province, representatives from the National University of Science and Technology, NANGO Board members and guests from other CSOs programming in the prisons.
The Simphiwe Development Trust Director Mr LeemanDube says the training was a pilot project meant to equip inmates for life after prison. Mr Dube states that the program seeks to complement governmet efforts t reducing crime and also the number of repeat offenders. Comprehensive crime prevention programs must include effective measures to prevent repeat-offending and to stop the cycle of failed adaptation by repeat offenders. When inmates released from confinement, they face a variety of challenges that may hinder their ability to become law-abiding citizens. A key feature to reduce repeat offending is the attention to the social reintegration of ex-inmates into the community and through equipping them with skills to successfully reintegrate and become productive members of society.
Mr Dubeasserts that the program started with 25 inmates but eight dropped out due to several reasons. Most who dropped off cited that the course was too challenging for them since they just did not have basic education having only went as far as grade 7 in formal education. Thus they could not master the basics in computing so they quit. The highest scoring student got 82 percent in the final assessment.
In separate interviews, graduands said they were happy that they are now competitive in the economic transformation agenda as computers are fast becoming a transformation agent in all walks of life across the globe.
The best graduating student, Amos Ncube (20) who was sentenced to two years for unlawful entry and theft said it has been his ambition to learn computers and his vision got fulfilled while in prison.
“Today I stand proud as a graduate, it may not be from a university as most people would want it to be but to me it’s a dream that has come true. The world is gradually changing to a technologically driven society hence to have a course in ICTs is an achievement worth cherishing,” he said.Ncube whose prison term is about to end said he wants to further his studies by suing Computer Aided Art and Graphics.
Another inmate, David Ndlovu (57), said he is a script writer and since he has acquired basic computer skills including using Microsoft word, he is going to be typing his ideas on a computer rather than writing on pieces of paper as he used to do.“When you are not computer literate, your life is hard as you do everything manually. Now it will be easy for me to type a document of my script and I proof-read it there. It’s now different from using pen and paper and having to correct word for word,” he said.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, ZPCS Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Advisory Board member Dr Lucky Mlilo said imparting computer skills to inmates is vital as it makes them fit in the vast technological growing economy where ICTs are slowly becoming a prerequisite in industrialisation and development.Dr Mlilo said his council will continue working with Simphiwe to find ways of improving the program and replicating it to other prisons across the country. “I am reliably informed that the 17 of you shared only 10 desktops which disabled your speed in operations. As an advisory board we feel challenged, we will try and assist with the acquisition of new computers,” he said.
In their vote of thanks, the inmates’ representatives said they have finally realised that prison is not the end of the road in life’s journey.
26 Feb 2019
Hwange ward 9 community members are calling on Hwange Colliery Company and well wishers to improve sanitation facilities that have been in a dire state for over a decade.
The residents asserted the need for resuscitation of water point committees and capacity enhancement of committees so that there is community stewardship in management of water resources and infrastructure.
Ward 9 community members also call on the convention of an all stakeholders’ conference that will come up with agreed short, medium and long term solutions to water, sanitation and hygiene challenges in most parts of Hwange.
The convention will address laws and policies on access to clean and portable water, social accountability and billing systems.
It is daunting that there are parts of Hwange, which are under the Hwange Colliery Company administration, that spend 20 hours a day without water supply. The areas have domestic tap water for two hours from 5am and another two hours from 6pm.
It is alleged that some residential areas have not had clean and portable water for the past 20 years. A gross human rights violation.
The Hwange Colliery Company draws water from a trans-boundary water source Zambezi River and the water is treated before distribution to residents in Ward 9. The infrastructure supplying water in Hwange is old, dilapidated and has been vandalised too.
Community Water Alliance implores Hwange city fathers and providers of water, sanitation and hygiene services to respect and fulfill Section 51 and 77(a) of the Zimbabwean Constitution. The sections expound on the right to human dignity and the right to safe, clean and portable water, respectively.
Well wishers are also invited to improve Hwange residents’ access to water and proper sanitation facilities.
#PotableWaterIsAPriority
#TakePartInPreventionOfAHealthDisaster
22 Feb 2019
Community Water Alliance has been receiving increasing reports of water meter theft from most high density suburbs in Harare.
A visit to Budiriro by Community Water Alliance staff revealed that more than 200 households have had their water meters stolen by mid-February.
Some residents have reported the cases to the local police while others have lost faith in the willingness of local police to stop this wave that has exposed water infrastructure to vandalism.
Affected residents who spoke to Community Water Alliance said the unavailability of potable water has exposed them to thieves that steal the meters. In the past, the gushing of water after meter removal made deterred thieves from this manner of vandalism.
The theft of water meters is likely to increase non-revenue water in Harare. It gravely affects the non-revenue water reduction target set by Harare Water in its 2018-2028 Strategic Plan. Theft of water meters kills financial sustainability of water services in Harare and residents are encouraged to report suspects.
Preliminary findings by Community Water Alliance revealed alleged involvement of carpenters in the business of manufacturing coffins. The brass from the water meters is allegedly used for coating of coffin handles.
We implore City of Harare officials, particularly municipal police together with Zimbabwe Republic Police to do a thorough job and get to the bottom of this matter.
#PotableWaterBy2020
#AccessToWaterIsAHumanRight
22 Feb 2019
Loving Hand Organization engaged authorities of a school in Bulawayo to enroll two boys aged seven and nine to start school despite not having birth certificates at the time.
This came after Loving Hand Organisation identified a couple that is struggling to cater for three sons and makes a living through menial jobs, land tiling and ploughing. The two have never received formal education and cannot afford to take their three sons to school.
According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the child Article 28 every child has the right to primary education which should be free. Sustainable Development Goal 4 also supports that education of children should develop each child’s personality, talents and abilities to the fullest. This inspires Loving Hand to assist children to enroll at schools, access education and get donations in the form of uniforms, school fees, stationery and food.
Well wishers re therefore called upon to make donations to the family. Those interested in making donations may contact Mr. K. Hweta +263-29-883693 or 0773472825 or email lovinghand2004vpo@gmail.com or info@thelovinghand.co.zw
MISA Zimbabwe is concerned with the increase in cases involving attempts by government officials within the southern African region to curb legitimate media investigations.
This follows the recent detention and deportation from Malawi of Ntombizodwa Patience Makhoba, a City Press journalist.
On Monday 18 February 2019, Makhoba travelled from South Africa to Malawi to investigate a story involving a Malawian entrepreneur based in South Africa.
According to media reports from Malawi, police confiscated Makhobana’s mobile phone and detained her overnight at a Blantyre police station while awaiting the next available flight from Malawi to South Africa. Malawian immigration officials said Makhoba did not have the necessary documentation to carry out investigations in Malawi.