A word from women in ARTS

A Word from United Women in Music on GBV

Article compied by Tsitsi Ndabani

Tsitsi Ndabambi

Observing the 16 days of activism against gender based violence, which is from 25 November to 10 December, Zimbabwean women in arts had these wise words to share with the world concerning the increasing gender based violence in this land. This year’s theme is “Orange the World.”

Chioneso Rutsito, "If talking it out is not working, fighting it and toughening it out can be harmful and dangerous, walking out is always a better option. Say No to any form of GBV. You are precious."

Bethen Pasinwako, "Women and girls have been beaten, raped and tortured each year in their thousands and these are quite atrocitious statistics. It's unimaginable the rate at which this keeps happening and something needs to be done to put an end to cruelty. We all need to take action to bring to attention issues of GBV, the situation is quite dire and a lot needs to be done. spouse take a time to cool off, take WE MUST ALL ACT!!" a walk and calm down and discuss Kessia Masona Aka Muchaneta and think it will solve itself, find the "Take heart and remain courageous appropriate time or the appropriate and do not lose hope. Life is too third person to discuss the issue short to live in misery, like a snail with." that regenerates it's skin after enLady Vee, "When angry with your the issue later. Do not avoid the issue countering scares so can you. Always Leoba Sibanda, "Strength doesn't know that I care for you and that come from what you can do. It comes there are women who care. Best of from overcoming the things you once luck in your knew beginning." thought you couldn't...Talk things through there is no need to fight." Novuyo, "Let us make sure perpetrators of gender based violence don't buy Caychi, "Violence against women their way out. Corruption and GBV and girls (VAWG), violence against have a close relationship ... # Stop LGBTI people, intimate partner vioGBV#Fighting." lence (IPV), Domestic violence( DV), Sexual Violence( SV) Indirect strucTendai Chimombe, "GBV will not tural violence. We must stop GBV stop if you don't report. Mwana asin- men and boys may also be victims of gacheme anofira mumbereko!!!" GBV. Listen with compassion and do not judge!" D-Blok Keislim,"You are not alone. We are here standing with and for Brity Yonly, "dear Women ,never foryou." get that walking away from something unhealthy is brave even if you stumble Nasibo, "Ngatizive kwekuno mhan'ara a little on your way out." kana tambunyikidzwa kodzero dzedu Fungai TB Chinogaramombe "We are mudzimba mumabasa nemunharaun- all human,we coexist and depend on da matinenge tiri.#No to gender based each other .Gender based violence violence. destroys the beautiful harmony of mankind. Let's stop it today." 31 VICIOUS COLLECTIONS ISSUE 07

Ratidzo Wekare. "Greatness doesn't come from fighting. When you become violent it means you have stopped reasoning which you will think of when you have destroyed your loved ones. Don't answer back or take action when you are angry, seek understanding and solve matters peacefully."

Joy Nyikadzino, "GBV has become an everyday concern in our communities. One characteristic of gender-based violence is that it knows no social or economic boundaries and affects women and girls of all socio-economic backgrounds: this issue needs to be addressed in both developing and developed countries. To those who have been victims or those with relatives or close ones who have been through the effects of GBV, we want them to know that we are with them and we say no to violence and also they should stand up for themselves and start afresh. Together we can beat this and rise!!"

Rudo R Makaya, "Listen. One of the primary things a survivor of violence needs is for you to just sit and listen sincerely. Listen without judging and listen without fixating over what you are going to say next. The reason why most people bottle in stuff or decide to suffer in silence is because they are afraid of being judged. So if the victim gives you certain boundaries it’s important to respect them."

MamoeVee, "Yes I am a girl but I have brains too, yes I’m a woman but I feel the pain too, when I cry please hear my cry ,when i speak please hear me too. Let’s make the world a better place for everyone.

Bongani, "us women should stand up fo each other and fight, we should work as one being a woman doesnt mean we should be abused and bullied. I SALUTE EVERY SURVIVOR OF GBV DONT BE AFRAID TO SPEAK OUT."

Anonymous, "It is ok to leave, it is ok to tell someone, never die inside and suffer on your own. If you are being abused speak out you are not alone."