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A call for men to unite and end violence against women to achieve a gender just society
Padare/Enkundleni/Men's Forum on Gender
July 07, 2010

Violence against women in Zimbabwe is a substantial problem and most women are at risk of violence by men known to them, within the privacy of their homes. At the root of domestic violence in Zimbabwe are the existing inequalities between men and women. Women's subordinate position within the home and communities is deeply entrenched in traditional, legal, religious and social structures. A majority of Zimbabwean families are religious and in the religious and cultural circles the emphasis is on the woman's obligation to "submit to her husband".

There can be no denying that sexual and domestic violence are problems that have besieged many in Zimbabwe today. Various studies on domestic violence have shown that more than 85% of women in Zimbabwe have reported being abused in one way or the other i.e. sexually, physically, psychologically or economically. The majority of abusers were men close to the victims (husbands, fathers, boyfriends, etc.).

It should be noted that the handling of violence in such cases is highly influenced by patriarchy. A patriarchal society is one in which life and relations are designed to serve the interests and needs of men at the expense of women. In this situation, men are erroneously encouraged to behave in ways that undermine and in most cases deny women their dignity. Most young boys who grow up to be men take it for granted that they should always assume positions of leadership, undermining the effort of girls and women who are continually denied opportunities to realize their full potential.

As Padare/Enkundleni/Men's Forum on Gender, we encourage men to listen to what women are saying about male oppression of women in our society. We call on and prepare men to challenge this type of oppression and to live lives that do not depend on oppression of women and male violence against women. We are proud of the work that we have done in challenging harmful images of manhood and fatherhood.

Men have much to gain from ending gender inequality. Testimonies from other men who have managed to adopt the principles of equality reveals that they are now enjoy more trusting, respectful and egalitarian relationships with their spouses and other significant women in their lives. Padare/Enkundleni is calling on all men to show increased support for women's paid work outside the home. As

Padare/Enkundleni/Men's Forum on Gender, we continue to call for the demystifying of myths about domestic violence and male violence against women. With the new constitution making process in place in Zimbabwe, we have male mobilisers engaging their communities of men to support three key women issues which are: 50/50 representation in decision making positions for women and girls, economic empowerment for women and girls and health services rights for women and girls.

We are looking for a few good men who can join us in this work. If you are a man reading this article, consider our invitation. Contact us on how you can be involved. If you are a woman, pass the invitation to the man you know; brother, father, boyfriend, partner, husband, friend etc.

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