Story by Tino Zirongwe
THE Government has engaged traditional leaders across the country to strengthen efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV) and child sexual exploitation within communities.
Chiefs are being equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to help tackle the social challenges, with one of the training workshops held in Kadoma, Mashonaland West Province, on Thursday.
Addressing the workshop, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, stressed the importance of protecting women and girls while urging traditional leaders to play a leading role in ending domestic violence.
“When you strengthen your wife, they will bring up empowered citizens. Issues of domestic violence have dangerous repercussions, leaving women full of anxiety and uncertainty. When children witness such malpractices, it affects how they perceive the world and its values. Chiefs, you can stop this,” she said.
Traditional leaders reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding communities and preserving cultural values.
“Our women, we have come to say we are in this together. Our women must also be well versed with these laws because they handle certain sensitive issues as well,” Chief Chundu said.
“As chiefs, we are obliged to look after our people. We live with these communities where early marriages are taking place, and the law now targets the perpetrators,” Chief Nematombo said.
Educational Psychologist Mrs Cecilia Chinamasa and Legal Advisor Ms Kuzivakwashe Ngodza said the workshops are equipping chiefs with the legal knowledge needed to protect vulnerable groups.
“When we engage with these chiefs, we are saying we are in this together; help us identify where help is needed,” Ms Ngodza said.
“We are encouraging chiefs to look at the provisions of the relevant laws that allow evidence to be presented in different ways, for example through a primary caregiver or on behalf of a person with an intellectual disability who cannot use traditional forms of communication,” Mrs Chinamasa said.
Government said chiefs remain an integral part of Zimbabwe’s governance structure, making it essential to equip them to effectively combat social ills such as gender-based violence and child sexual exploitation.
