CYDT partnered with the District Development Committee (DDC), Ministry of Health in
conducting a SRHR sensitization roadshow amidst rising cases of sexual abuse and gender based
violence cases in Maphisa District.
As COVID 19 cases continue to soar, large public gatherings remain restricted, therefore an
invite from the DDC on GBV sensitisation gave CYDT an opportunity to undertake a SRHR
awareness campaign mainstreaming COVID19. It is of great importance to highlight that
everyone that took part in the program was strictly and properly observing COVID 19 protocols
that include the wearing of masks as well as not mingling with people in the streets.
In a space of three weeks, three women were sexually abused in Matobo District in which two of
them were pregnant women admitted at a maternity home in Maphisa District Hospital and the
third one was a young female youth. Hence the roadshow was developed to increase awareness
on sexual abuse and GBV; the causes and ways to mitigate sexual abuse and GBV. The activity
also brought into awareness the role of the community and young people in fighting sexual abuse
and GBV in Maphisa District. Information was disseminated using a hailer with the help of local
artistes who performed SRHR awareness poems.
The activity managed to increase sexual abuse and GBV awareness to people passing by, and to
people in their homes as he hailer had the capacity to reach out to them.
One of the key issues highlighted was the need for women to avoid walking alone in bushy areas
or at night as abusers take that as an opportunity to prey on women. Another key message was
directed to the security department, that is, the police. The police were told be on guard, and
continue monitoring the community and ensure that people were observing social distancing as
well as following the national curfew guidelines. It was noted that abusers take advantage of the
lack of security to move at night so they can do acts of violence on women.
Women were encouraged to speak out against GBV as most of them are still influenced by
traditional ideologies and myths that have often relegated them to mere household materials who
should not challenge their partners when they beat or sexual abuse them. In addition, women
were told that they can report cases of GBV to the police, local leaders and to religious leaders
whom they trust as well as CBOs that can help them report their cases to relevant authorities.
Knowing that there was a possibility that the rapists were also present and hearing the roadshow
as it took place, a warning message was directed to them also. The speaker warned that, those
who violate any women’s rights are applying to spend their lives in prison and demanded that
they leave their unruly ways for the creation of a safe community for women
The community was instructed to also support women amidst rising cases of sexual abuse and
GBV. It was indicated that the abusers are not foreigners to the community but people who live
amongst them, hence a united community will be able to flash out these women attackers.
Parents were encouraged to monitor their sons especially those who leave at night as they could
be possible women abusers. They were also advised to talk with their children about sexual
abuse and GBV; the importance of respecting women and enhancing their protection. Husbands
were encouraged to see women as equal partners not punching bags they use to flash out their
own frustrations. Some of the messages were disseminated inform of poems and songs by local
artists who were included in the program by CYDT.
CYDT is determined to continue carrying out sexual abuse and GBV awareness in the three
project areas to enhance the safety of women in the context of the prevailing COVID 19
conditions. Women security is low in all situations or institutions such as health centers, at home
and in the community in general, hence it is in the heart of CYDT to also continue lobbying duty
bearers for an improved security for women.
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