Alvina Chiwanika

Shurugwi – The Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Monica Mutsvangwa has urged society to empower women as this is a key way of reducing Gender Based Violence (GBV).
She was speaking at Chitora Secondary School Grounds in Shurugwi on Friday where hundreds of women from across the country gathered to commemorate International Women’s Day. The theme of the day was invest in women to accelerate progress.
Mutsvangwa was accompanied by her deputy Jenifer Mhlanga, MPs’ and heads of Government departments.
The event was colorful because of 100 exhibitors who had their wares on display.
Mutsvangwa said one of the leading contributory factors to GBV is the lack of empowerment for women.
“One way to reduce GBV is to reduce poverty among women. Women must be given access to economic resources and opportunities so that they are better placed to take care of their families and participate in society.
“Community resilience is strengthened by empowering women. Women must be empowered so that they have the ability to take care of their basic needs.
“Women are facing many challenges including lack of access to education, health care and economic opportunities. I am calling for more action to address these issues and ensure that women are able to fully participate in the society,” said Mutsvangwa.
Midlands Police spokesperson, Emmanuel Mahoko said there is a general misconception that GBV cases are decreasing. He said the reason why there is such misconception is because many women are so disempowered that they are not able to make reports to Police. He said that many cases go unreported hence the illusion that GBV cases are decreasing.
“I am calling for more education on GBV,” said Mahoko.
Mhlanga hailed women in Shurugwi for successfully engaging in organic farming.
“Women of Shurugwi have been able to successfully grow crops without the use of harmful chemicals which is not only better for the environment but also for their health. Issues of GBV sometimes increases due to poverty, so poverty needs to be addressed through empowering women. We are here to commemorate International Women’s Day and we need to motivate each other as women so that no one can be left behind,” said Mhlanga.