Gender based violence

fighting gender violence

There are socially constructed roles for women in society. There are certain activities that society expects women to undertake especially as they venture into marriage. Traditionally, women are expected to take care of their husbands and extended families and the most anticipated part, child bearing.

 

Women are groomed from childhood to cook, wash, clean and all other household activities. They are expected to uphold these roles when they start their families. A woman has to stay at home and the man has to fend for the family.

Time has changed and women have been made aware of their rights. The introduction of gender equality gives women equal opportunities with men.  A couple can do to work and leave the children under the care of the maid as they are fending for the family.

Traditionalists view gender equality as inciting rebellion in women. Women have their expected roles and they cannot have the same authority as men. Once a woman starts going to work and earning a salary, she wants to be in control of everything and everyone.

Women become victims of gender based violence which is at most times perpetrated by men. Newsday recently published an article revealing shocking statistics on gender based violence in the country. Findings revealed that 68% of women have been victims of gender based violence, however, some cases are not reported and perpetrators go unpunished.

Victims of gender based violence are afraid to expose perpetrators because at most times they are threatened with death. Some women go to work with bruises and scars and find ways of covering for the perpetrator as they fear victimization.

Some employed married women are afraid of what the in-laws would say when their son has been imprisoned due to an act of gender based violence. This gives the perpetrators the opportunity to go free instead of facing the consequences for their actions. 

Follow the link to find out some of the problems women face once they venture into marriage http://www.sundaynews.co.zw/gender-based-violence-women-bruised/