God made us all – male and female. So it is not helpful for women to view men as the barrier to living well or enjoying our rightful status in society. We have to co-exist. Neither can do without the other. Our approach to human rights as FSN is that we want to enjoy our rights fully, but we also recognise that we need to be responsible and respect our male counterparts.
Yes we believe in the need for equality and we are advocating for that – but not in a very harsh way by suppressing our partners. We believe this wrong attitude is the reason why men do not report cases of abuse – because women are still endorsing their pride by pushing for rights.
I urge all women out there to behave responsibly if you want society to appreciate your rights. I would like to communicate with the women of Zimbabwe that in as much as we would appreciate and require proper recognition as equals by our society, we also need to be responsible as much as possible.
My view is coming from the background of the recent undressing of women by touts and hwindis at bus termini in the city. On behalf of the Female Students Network, my take is that hwindis behaved very badly – but also women should dress properly or in a way that will not provoke other people or infringe upon their rights. We do not live in a vacuum. We co-exist. So by defending our right to wear what we want and in a manner that does not observe dignity in our society – for me is contradictory.
We do not want to end up creating an environment where one group dominates – but rather we want to be equal and work together for national development.
FSN Background
Evernice Munando is the Director of the Female Students Network, which seeks to empower female students through leadership development and mentorship programmes. The organisation conducts training in capacity building, development, lobbying and policy advocacy, and holds debates on topical issues. It is also involved in research and documentation as well as solidarity/awareness campaigns on issues such as gender-based violence.
It is a membership-based organisation working in all 10 provinces of Zimbabwe with 36 institutions which include state universities, polytechnic colleges, teachers colleges and technical colleges. The organisation was formed in 2005 and was founded by Munando, a former student leader/activist.
FSN advocates for behavioural change through the observation of fundamental rights and responsibilities.
Post published in: Gender Equality