Speaking at the Ndichiri Mupenyu (While I am still alive) awards ceremony recently, Makone said most women maintained a culture of silence for fear of victimisation.
“The educated or middle class woman knows her rights, but there are loopholes within the justice system. Women do not have the courage to speak out against such injustices knowing that if they do, they are bound to be shipped out,” she said.
“There is no fair treatment within certain police departments. If a person lodges a sexual harassment complaint and they do not identify themselves, the law does not have an obligation to investigate that case. As such, most cases are not investigated, but sexual violence is prevalent in the workplace,” said Makone.
She said it was the duty of parents to break the cycle of violence among children at a young age.
“There is need to instill a culture of zero tolerance to violence among children. Engaging youths and harnessing their energy ideas against male stereotyping is also important for a violence-free society,” said Makone.
She acknowledged that the government was good at signing protocols and enacting laws that it fails to implement.
“There is need to scrutinize and supervise how laws that have been enacted are being implemented. If there is no supervision of policy, there is bound to be a disjuncture between the two,” said Makone.
Zimbabwe Football Association’s Mavis Gumbo won a silver bracelet in the sports category, Pretty Nxaba won in the arts category while Rejoice Timire of Disabled Women of Zimbabwe scooped the National Social Contributor silver bracelet.
Codchem Company’ s managing director, Mara Hativagone won the gold bracelet in the Business category while Medecins Sans Frantieres (MSF) Epworth won in the most responsive institution category.
Ndichiri Mupenyu Awards started six years ago to honour men and women who make positive contributions to eliminate violence against women. The awards are jointly supported by Women Film makers of Zimbabwe and United Nations Women and Gender Support Programme.
Post published in: News