By Takudzwa Josiah
In Zvishavane and Mberengwa districts, the haunting reality of gender-based violence casts a dark shadow over the lives of countless children.
Nozipho Rutsate, the Chairperson of the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe, has raised a powerful alarm, shedding light on the profound toll that such violence takes on the mental well-being of these innocent victims. Behind closed doors, in the very environments that should be nurturing and safe, children are subjected to trauma that leaves lasting scars on their young minds.
A Cycle of Violence
The statistics are chilling. According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency and UNICEF (2019), 40% of women aged 15-49 in Zimbabwe have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner. Trapped in households plagued by violence, 19% of these women suffered abuse within the past year alone. Nozipho reveals that it is the children who bear the heavy burden of this cycle of violence.
Speaking to the Women`s Weekly Journal, Nozipho said “No child should endure what these young souls face daily,”. She draws attention to the hostile environments in which children are raised, environments that shape their perception of relationships, themselves, and the world around them.
The mental health implications are dire, as children become withdrawn, suffer from low self-esteem, and, tragically, may even contemplate suicide, mistakenly blaming themselves for the abuse inflicted upon them.
Testimonies That Speak Volumes
Mrs. Ruwaza, a former teacher, shares her heartbreaking encounters with children in rural areas who bear the weight of violence at home. These children, she reveals, struggle with low self-esteem, hindering their academic performance and personal growth. Their potential, stifled by the trauma they endure, remains unrealized.
Women’s Weekly Journal also had a conversation with a young woman who experienced domestic violence first hand and has seen her relationships shaped by the experiences.
Ruvarashe, a 35-year-old woman, recounts her own painful journey shaped by violence. Growing up in a household where her stepfather would return home intoxicated and brutally beat her mother, she witnessed firsthand the destructive power of violence. Seeking refuge, she ended up living with her sister in Mandava, Zvishavane, where she was exposed to the harassment endured by her sister, who worked as a sex worker.
Ruva says the experiences have shaped how she relates with men, she views them as “violent and selfish beings that are guided by lust”.
Women’s Weekly Journal also had a conversation with Marylin*, a young woman who experienced domestic violence firsthand and witnessed the profound impact it had on her relationships. Her story serves as a testimony of how gender-based violence negatively affects young lives in Zvishavane and Mberengwa Districts.
The Way Forward
Nozipho emphasizes the vital role of relatives and neighbors in intervening and offering support. She urges them to provide counseling and guidance to those caught in violent relationships. If all reconciliation efforts fail, Nozipho insists that removing the child from the harmful environment becomes imperative, as exposure to violence significantly impacts their cognitive and emotional development.
The Importance of Reporting
The Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe stresses the importance of prompt reporting of gender-based violence incidents. By shedding light on these offenses, they seek to raise awareness and mobilize the community to take action against the perpetrators. Nozipho passionately calls upon witnesses and victims to break their silence, underscoring that collective efforts are essential in combating this pervasive issue.
As Communities in Zvishavane and Mberengwa continue to grapple with the devastating consequences of gender-based violence, Nozipho’s heartfelt words echo loudly. The urgent need to protect the mental well-being of children and break the cycle of abuse cannot be ignored. It is a call to action for society to unite, fostering an environment where children can grow, flourish, and live free from the chains of violence. Only then can we truly hope to create a future where children are shielded from the horrors of gender-based violence and empowered to embrace their true potential.
*Not real name