FULL TEXT: MDC-A Statement Marking The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

The 25th of November 2020 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

This day also marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), an annual international campaign against GBV.

The MDC Alliance joins the rest of the world in commemorating this campaign which ends on the 10th of December 2020 (International Human Rights Day).

The theme this year is “Orange the World: End Violence against Women and Girls.” The colour orange continues to be used to raise awareness on GBV.

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This year’s commemoration will be conducted in the context of COVID-19. In this regard, we note with concern the rising incidence of GBV cases.

The statistics show an increase in violence against women during lockdown periods where couples, partners and families are forced to spend more time together.

GBV is a violation of a number of human rights, including the right to life, the right to equal protection and benefit of the law, freedom against inhuman and degrading treatment and the right to dignity.

We also take this opportunity to reiterate the demand for justice for Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova who are victims of state-sponsored GBV.

We call upon the State to bring the perpetrators of their abduction, torture and sexual assault to book and for Government, state agencies and all members of society to respect the rights and personal security of women.

We will continue to fight for a people’s government that respects the fundamental rights of women and all survivors of GBV, regardless of gender.

Barbara Tanyanyiwa
Spokesperson – MDCA Assembly of Women