YOUTH AND GENDER BASED VIOLENCE
Gender based violence can be defined as violence directed against a person because of their gender. Both women and men suffer from gender-based violence but women and girls suffer the most.
Gender based violence is classified into three categories thus physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Most youths suffer from these types of violence especially at work places. many girls suffer from sexual abuse because men consider girls as people of low class and sex toys. When there is a work interview, they are asked for ‘carpet’ interviews. Therefore, this shows that girls have nothing to offer besides sex.
With the issue of lockdown, there are other types of violence that have been noticed and these are psychological and economic violence. Psychologically, the sky rocketing of prices, retrenchments and loss of jobs has affected most people. These factors cause brain damage, heart attacks, hypertensions and madness among others.
To add on, economically, some of the rights of people have being violated but people should consider the fact that prevention is better than cure. We all know that COVID-19 brought more harm than good to the Zimbabwean economy and the whole world at large. This state of emergency has made many people resort to rural areas due to exorbitant urban life.
In a WhatsApp discussion, Legal and Programmes Officer for Women and Law in Southern Africa in Mutare District, Mazvita Kadenha, said the key drivers of GBV amongst youths are as a result of arguments around love relationships, sexual relationships, monetary issues and unemployment versus economic demands. Both girls and boys are suffering from these issues and there is need for them to speak out.
Research shows that, about one in three women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence and about one in four women have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15. Basing on this research, it shows that women and girls are the victims of gender-based violence and there is need for action to end gender-based violence.
Sustainable Development Goal 5 highlights on gender equality. It is vital to give women equal rights with men in particular land and property, sexual and reproductive health rights as well as technology and internet rights.
At this juncture, MAYA posits that: “ Youths are embedded with so many gifts and possibilities that the community needs to encourage”. Youths are not a force to be reckoned but a light that radiates and touches so many lives and changes them for the better.