North-Western Province Senior Gender Officer in Charge of Gender Rights Protection, Leah Chivube, has commended the steady increase in the number of boys and men reporting Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases in the country.
In an interview with ZANIS News today following the first preparatory meeting for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Ms Chivube said deliberate activities have been lined up to raise awareness of GBV among men.
Ms Chivube said the activities will be held ahead of the official launch and will include the commemoration of International Men’s Day on November 19.
“We have lined up activities prior to the actual launch, which include the commemoration of International Men’s Day on the 19th of November,” Ms Chivube said.
She said police statistics on the number of men reporting GBV cases showed that more men could come forward if they were provided with the right information and a safe environment in which to report their experiences.
“As a committee, we will have sporting activities such as soccer, chess and a match to commemorate International Men’s Day because we want to honour and appreciate their efforts,” Ms Chivube said.
She said the activities would also encourage men to report any form of GBV they might be experiencing.
Meanwhile, Ms Chivube disclosed that the committee planned to host a fundraising event, with proceeds going towards supporting GBV survivors.
She said the provincial theme for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence was “Unite to End Gender-Based Violence, Ensure Justice, Protect Survivors, End Impunity,” which had been derived from the international theme.
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