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The Student Christian Movement of Zimbabwe joined other progressive movements in commemorating 16 days of activism against gender based violence on 08 December 2007 through a sweep campaign in Bulawayo. November 25 is the international day against violence on women and December 10 is the human rights day, and the period was symbolically chosen to link violence against woman to human rights. The sweep which was conducted at the busy Godhini bus terminus in Bulawayo city centre symbolized the sweeping away of human rights injustices perpetrated by the government and advocated for peace with justice in Zimbabwe. The sweep started at 09 00hrs with speeches from representatives from the Bulawayo council, and the Student Christian Movement of Zimbabwe and ended at 15 00hrs. SCMZ castigated the government for the continued institutionalized violence in Zimbabwe and urged it to address the political culture which hinders female participation there by infringing the rights of citizens. The theme of the sweep was nurturing a culture of democracy among youths in Zimbabwe. A total of 62 SCMZ members participated in the sweep and they were later joined by about 40 interested members of the public and the message reached out to an estimated figure of more than five thousand people. More than 5 000 fliers and pamphlets were distributed to the general populace.

SCMZ feels that issues of gender based violence should not only be confined to the family set up but rather should be addressed at national level. It is sad to note that the woman and girls of today are the worst affected by politically motivated violence. The country has been characterized by unfortunate acts of organized violence in all forms, misplaced priorities and HIV and AIDS; young people particularly females being the most affected. The continued absence of goods on the shelves and the ever escalating prices of basic necessities such as sanitary wear have impacted greatly on woman with particular reference to female students and unemployed female youths. The domestic violence law has no effect unless the government of Zimbabwe is willing to eradicate the culture of violence which is now entrenched in the political system which hinders female participation in issues of leadership and nation development.

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