By Nyasha B Dube
Legal Resources Foundation (LSR) says some of the African cultural practices are rooted in the oppression and suppression of women, leading to an increase in GBV cases.
This comes at a time when Zimbabwe joined the world in commemorating 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence, an annual commemoration that runs from 25 November to 10 December.
Last year’s theme was Unite, Invest to Protect Violence Against Women and Children.
Addressing Zvishavane women at the local commemorations hosted by Shekinah Glory Organisation, LRS paralegal Modreck Maphosa said most of domestic abuse cases emanate from bad cultural practices, citing old age practices like kugara nhaka, kuzvarira and chimutsa mapfihwa as examples.
“Such practices whereby a widow is forced to marry the deceased’s brother or whereby a young girl is married off usually for wealth are against human rights as given by the constitution which is the supreme law of the land. That same constitution clearly speaks on marriage rights in section 78,” said Maphosa.
He added, “Cultural practices and religious practices where a young girl is married off for various reasons are a direct defiance of the constitution because the legal age of consent is 18”.
He also commended the recent revision of the age of consent from 16 to 18, saying it addressed the disconnect that was there between the Criminal Law and Codification Act and the constitution.
Maphosa added that in cases of disputes, the affected parties should follow the legal route.
“The constitution does not allow parties to solve violence with any other form of violence whether physical or verbal, but there are various legal routes that can be taken to amiably solve disputes,” he said adding that the Legal Resources Foundation offers legal aid free of charge.
Maphosa also advocated for 365 days of activism, stating that there are various forms of violence affecting people on a day to day basis, and whilst everyone can be a victim, women are disproportionately affected.
Meanwhile, Shekinah Glory Organisation programs officer Peninah Simango also urged women to shun away from perpetuating violence and create a culture of peace starting in their own homes.
“Let’s avoid engaging from any forms of violence be it physical, verbal or emotional whilst our children are watching because what they experience in their formative years sticks with them, and they will later grow up to also become abusive adults and the toxic culture wont end,” she said.