By Takudzwa Josiah
In a courageous stand against the dark claws of violence, Mufaro Zindoga, a survivor of harrowing gender-based violence (GBV), has chosen the medium of visual arts to share her traumatic journey and raise awareness against this pervasive issue.
Embracing her painful past, Zindoga, now a divorcee, aims to shed light on the haunting realities of GBV through an impactful drama or movie.
Zindoga’s heart-wrenching story is one of survival and resilience, having endured years of abuse at the hands of a man who married her at a tender age.
Now determined to create a lasting impact, she seeks to utilize her lived experiences as a powerful tool to champion the cause against GBV and inspire societal change.
A recent Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey starkly revealed that approximately 1 in 3 women aged 15 to 49 in Zimbabwe have experienced physical violence, while 1 in 4 women have faced sexual violence since the tender age of 15.
These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for action and awareness to combat GBV and protect the rights of women.
Speaking exclusively to Women’s Weekly Journal, Zindoga shared her vision of partnering with a local media company to produce a compelling movie that authentically portrays her journey of survival and empowerment. By leveraging the power of media, she aims to reach a broader audience and spark crucial conversations around GBV.
However, while her passion is unwavering, Zindoga faces a significant challenge – funding. The realization of her ambitious project hinges on securing financial support to bring her story to life on the silver screen.
Despite the obstacle, Zindoga’s determination remains steadfast as she perseveres to find resources and allies who believe in the significance of her cause.
The power of storytelling through visual arts cannot be underestimated in raising awareness on critical social issues. Zindoga’s upcoming movie holds the potential to touch hearts, shatter stereotypes, and ignite a collective call to action against GBV.
By sharing her deeply personal journey, she aims to humanize the struggles of countless survivors and inspire empathy, compassion, and change.
🔹 Facts about GBV
1️⃣ GBV affects 1 in every 3 women globally. In Zimbabwe, 40% of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner. This needs our attention! #EndGBV #Zimbabwe #GenderEquality
2️⃣ Reports show GBV intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, making it harder for victims to escape abuse. We must stand together and provide support for survivors. #SupportSurvivors #BreakTheSilence #COVID19
3️⃣ Zimbabwe has laws and units to fight GBV, but the issue remains under-reported. Many survivors fear stigmatization or an unresponsive legal system. Let’s create a safe environment for survivors to come forward. #SpeakOut #EndStigma #JusticeForSurvivors
4️⃣ The Afrobarometer survey reveals that most Zimbabweans condemn physical force against women. However, GBV remains a prevalent issue. We must tackle this as a society. #RaiseAwareness #StandTogether #BreakTheCycle
5️⃣ GBV is NOT a private matter; it’s a criminal act that needs to be addressed. The police must take GBV cases seriously and provide support to survivors. #StopGBV #JusticeForSurvivors #ReportToPolice
6️⃣ Let’s dismantle the culture of silence surrounding GBV. Survivors need our empathy and understanding. Together, we can create a society where every woman feels safe and respected. #EmpowerSurvivors #BreakTheSilence #NoMoreGBV
7️⃣ It’s time to challenge societal norms that perpetuate GBV. We must educate and raise awareness in our communities to foster a culture of respect and equality. #EducateSociety #EqualityForAll #EndViolence
8️⃣ Join the fight against GBV in Zimbabwe! Support survivors, amplify their voices, and advocate for a safer and more inclusive society. Together, we can make a difference. #StandTogether #BeAnAlly #TogetherAgainstGBV
ℹ️ for resources and support, reach out to @UN_Women_Zimbabwe, @UNICEFZIMBABWE, and @AFROBAROMETER. Let’s unite to end GBV and ensure a brighter, safer future for all. #EndGBV #GenderEquality #StandStrong