Cases of gender-based violence are on the increase in the country since the introduction of Covid 19 lockdown restrictions.
It is quite alarming that these cases are on the rise regardless of all the endeavors and noise that gender-based violence activists are making, in South Africa, they have rightfully coined it with the name “Gender-based violence epidemic.”
South Africans have seen how serious this issue has become to an extent that it has torn the social fabric. One particular activist attested that as long as men do not see GBV as a crime then we are just making noise for nothing. In short, reality has to sink in their minds how detrimental this matter at hand is especially to their victims. As a result, they must embrace change in these patriarchal-led communities.
Recently in Marondera, a married couple had a fight over conjugal rights which this brawl ended up involving their two daughters. In addition, one of the children stabbed the father in the gut as a way of helping her mother. Thus, this is just one of a statistic of what really is on the ground in our various communities all over the country. To make matters worse, due to retrenchment issues and high poverty levels most people are operating on a short fuse like ticking time bombs. For that reason, any little wrongdoing can end up badly or in blood. Social media is awash with similar cases almost on a daily basis.
Actually, it is saddening that women have to bear the full brunt of all this, contending with such brutality yet we have Covid-19 to think off as well. That said, more educative programs should be aired out that GBV is not the solution to our problems because it might land you in jail that is if worse comes to worst. Instead, let us live harmoniously together as we fight this bane of our existence. In fact, there is no need to live with flaring high tensions. Instead, let us uphold the sanctity of the human body. Furthermore, let us not break the rule of law because we will be brought to book accordingly. In some cases, other perpetrators end up dismembering the body of their victims which is sadistic if not Satanic.
Clearly, if this continues to happen it means as a nation we are going nowhere for we are walking in circles. Equally, we will be condoning bad behavior which the younger generation will take up this doctrine to become even worse devils. Truth be told, this is a clarion call to end GBV for we need to act now. Indeed, a stitch in time serves nine.
# Women in News
The article was written by Abigirl Phiri a gender-based violence activist, poet and freelance writer.
abigirlphiri@gmail.com
