Marvel Act Youth Organisation (Mayo), a local non-governmental organisation that contributes to the development of young people, says it is committed to end all forms of violence against women and girls and other harmful practises.
The organisation’s founder and director Abel Mavura told Standard Style that Mayo advocates against injustice, combat violence against women and children as well as the spread of HIV and Aids among rural populations.
During the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, Mayo was part of a number of campaigns highlighting, appreciating and honouring efforts and sacrifices, by individuals and institutions, towards prevention and elimination of all forms of GBV in general, and violence against women and girls in particular.
This year the global theme was Unite! Activism to end violence against women and girls while the Zimbabwe theme is All lives Matter: End Gender-Based Violence now.
“Mayo is also participating in making louder the voices calling on individuals, society and governments to enforce laws that protect women and girls from GBV,” Mavura said.
“When nine-year olds give birth it’s a reflection of the laws that do not work for women and girls as well as a toxic society that preys on children.’
“Zimbabwe has laws that allows certain pregnancies to be terminated if they endanger the carrier of the pregnancy. A question is raised in this case on how as a society we allow a child to carry a child and live with such hypocrisy of saying such abortion is killing, have we not killed this nine-year-old’s life?
“Parents need to empower children and build an open relationship discussing sex education for both protection and safety.”
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Mavura said violence against women and girls remains the most pervasive human rights violation around the world.
“Already heightened by the Covid-19 pandemic, GBV prevalence is now being further increased by the intersecting crises of climate change, global conflict and economic instability,” he said.
“Violence against women and girls is our individual and collective shame, a gross violation of human rights happening on a climax scale.”
Mavura said the GBV scourge was a systemic issue that must be addressed at every level of society.
Mavura was among 16 male gender champions for change who were rewarded by Canadian ambassador to Zimbabwe Christina Buchan as part of commemorations of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Girl rights organisation Shamwari Yemwanasikana organised the awards ceremony that was held at Moto Republik.
