Caucus chairperson Beatrice Nyamupinga told delegates at the launch of the Global Power Women’s Network last week that women would soon demonstrate in the streets against the increased incidents of rape – which is exacerbated by political instability.
The event was attended by parliamentarians, leading African women entrepreneurs, civil society leaders and development partners from Africa. A particular focus was game-changing approaches to HIV prevention and sexual and reproductive health and rights responses for women and girls. Deputy President Thokozani Khupe is the president of the Network.
Police spokeswoman Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said in the week ending September 25, police had dealt with 81 cases of child rape countrywide – up from 65 a week earlier. More alarmingly, she said a majority of the cases involved relatives, and police are urging parents to exercise extreme caution when they leave their children with neighbours or extended family members.
“The rape cases are on the increase and evident from our investigations is the fact that relatives commit most juvenile rape cases,” Charamba said.
In addition, the Caucus has partnered with the Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association to commission a gender audit to ensure the views of women are fully represented at the forthcoming constitutional All Stakeholders Conference.
“We want to ensure that this new constitution will see women participating socially, economically and politically,” Nyamupinga said. A G20 group has been formed comprising members of parliament representing women, COPAC and civil society.
“To achieve the vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths, it is critical to recognise women and girls as key agents in making this vision a reality—society has to invest in the health of women and girls,” Khupe told the meeting.
Women and girls in Africa carry a disproportionate burden of the HIV epidemic, constituting 59 percent of all people living with HIV. The prevailing gender inequalities, including gender-based violence, increase women’s and girls’ risk of HIV infection.
Post published in: News