Story by Fungai Jachi
RADIO programmes focusing on gender-based violence have positively impacted hundreds of women and young girls, as it has assisted in exposing and empowering victims against this social vice.
Radio is one of the powerful mediums that have captured the attention of this voice that has ruthlessly torn through society, leaving a trail of lost lives and destroyed futures.
The gaps are slowly being covered, as awareness is enhanced through prioritising programmes that bring understanding to GBV.
A community member said, “The programmes are really helpful, and we are glad that we are learning a lot.”
“We are always on the radio because apart from the entertainment, we have a lot to learn. Radio has become part of us because we have learnt a lot on issues of GBV,” said another.
The official 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence lapsed this Sunday, but according to some of the radio voices who have been
instrumental in pushing through their programmes, the work will continue until there is total eradication of this scourge.
National FM presenter, Washington Marimira popularly known as ‘Bhozhongora’ said, “As the media, we continue to play our part in raising awareness on GBV because we are there not just to entertain but also to help others. Our programme has helped to bring out a lot of issues that are happening in society and many problems have been solved just by raising the issues on air.”
“We believe that our programmes should be throughout the year so that people will understand the effects of GBV and hopefully put an end to it,” Classic 263 presenter, Carlton Majuru reiterated.
Radio Zimbabwe presenter, Rumbidzai Chiwenga said, “I have a programme that raises awareness on violence against children with disabilities and I believe that many are taking a leaf from the programme and that is my way of doing my part to end GBV.”
According to experts the fight against gender-based violence requires collective effort and vigorous attention. The past 16 days have seriously exposed the sitting crisis in Zimbabwe as official statistics show a rapid increase in the number of reported cases involving violence against women.
