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Linda Chapoterera and Tariro Marekwa (STEMfem Network administrators)
The 16 days of activism against gender-based violence is an international call for people around the world to raise awareness about all its different forms and to call for the prevention and elimination of the vice against women and girls.
As the STEMfem Network, we acknowledge these days as we understand that social vices like gender-based violence affect young women and girls in the STEM field.
So, what have we done in line with this very important international call to action? Let’s find out below:
With the support of Mabelreign Girls High, Doves Holdings Zimbabwe, and Girls4Girls, we hosted a Colour Blast event under the theme Gender-Based Violence in the workplace. The 2-hour event began with an address from the Director of Elevate Trust Ms. Sicelo Dube.
In her address, she pointed out how pivotal it is for young women and girls to know their strong points and what they are good at to avoid exploitation and being vulnerable to gender-based violence in all its forms. The Guest of Honor’s representative Director Nyakudyara highlighted the economic implications of gender-based violence and how the action is needed to ensure that women and girls are safe from it.
Ms. Mabel Nyamurowa gave statistics on gender-based violence around the world. The most interesting statistic was that the probability of a young woman or girl dying from gender-based violence is higher than the probability of them dying from COVID-19. This gave a picture of just how serious the issue of gender-based violence is and how there is a need for action to bring an end to violence against women and girls.
Ms. Tinopona Katsande, widely known for her character as Joyce Huni in the famous Studio 263 show gave a real-life account of her experience with gender-based violence.
At the age of 25, she was physically assaulted by her longtime boyfriend over an issue of gender roles and who was supposed to do house chores. The physical assault left her heavily bruised and with numerous fractures. She highlighted the lack of support from family after the incident and how that made her feel she had been at the wrong place and how society plays a role in silencing gender based violence victims.
Her takeaway point was on how society teaches girls how to behave and be a proper lady but does not teach the boy child how to treat people of the other sex. Listening to a real story about gender-based violence helped set the tone on why these days are commemorated internationally and the call to action.
The event was also graced by the presence of members of the Junior Parliament. They expressed their view of the day from a young people’s perspective. Miss Gretelle Gaza, the head girl of Mabelreign girls high and a Junior Parliamentarian addressed on the day and gave her view of how the world should act to address the issue of gender-based violence. Young people are the future leaders and they ought to understand and appreciate the implications of gender-based violence.
The commemorative day was wrapped up by a march and a colour run. This was a fun and engaging way to push activism for the day and to cement the memory in the minds of the young people. As the STEMfem Network, we are a youth-led organization and that was evident in the final and closing activity of the day.