Story by Wellington Makonese
THE Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation’s Radio Zimbabwe has partnered with several organisations in calling out the gender-based violence menace by conducting a march in Harare this Monday.
The march, which started from Harare Central Business District to Mbare studios, saw Radio Zimbabwe join forces with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), musicians and civic organisation Population Service Zimbabwe to raise awareness on gender-based violence.
Participants believe the initiative is critical in enlightening society on the effects of the GBV vice.
“As broadcasters, we have had several programmes but it’s key to get in touch with the people as we did and make them understand that GBV is killing girls, women, men and generations,” said Radio Zimbabwe presenter, Thabani Gambiza.
Gospel artist, Petronella Piwa said “Artists must amplify the voice against GBV. It is gospel on its own, so I encourage others to make use of their influence to fight the scourge.”
“As police, we work on these cases daily and raise awareness to ensure that we reduce the dangers but when we partner with others there is power,” said ZRP Mbare Public Relations representative, Sergeant Nesta Chinyenya.
Population Service Zimbabwe demand generation officer, Eugenia Five said, “As an organisation we want to make sure that by the end of these 16 days, the communities will be enlightened, and it is in these areas like mbare that we get cases of GBV.”
Representing ZBC chief executive officer Ms Adelaide Chikunguru, National FM Station Manager Isaac Munzabwa said the national broadcaster has various programmes and news items that raise awareness on GBV.
“This march is part of a whole scope of programmes that we have on Radio Zimbabwe, National FM to raise awareness on GBV its effect on the community. We are a national institution, so we package our content for it to get to every corner of the country.”
The campaign against GBV this year is running under the theme “Unite! Investing to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls”.
