The Sunday News
Nohlelo Mlilo, Sunday News Reporter
AN alliance of non-governmental organisations in African countries has stepped up efforts to fight Gender Based Violence (GBV).
Known as AfriCordiale, the alliance marked the international 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence which have been set aside to commemorate the fight against abuse of women by “putting action into play”.
Zimbabwe’s AfriCordiale member, Mrs Thandiwe Velempini said the alliance seeks to protect both men and women because they believe that men also suffer the same fate, although women suffer the most.
“As AfriCordiale we join the rest of the world to voice against and fight for action as we fight GBV. We want to increase GBV awareness in our communities through media platforms and as we speak, we chose November 30 and December 1 as our days of voice and action.
We have invited advocates from different countries such as Zimbabwe, Zambia, eSwatini, South Africa, Botswana, Nigeria, Namibia and beyond Africa to come so that together we can raise our voice and show action against Gender-Based Violence.
AfriCordiale makes sure that both men and women engage in efforts to end gender-based violence as we are aware that both men and women suffer the same, with the women and girls being the most affected,” said Mrs Velempini.
AfriCordiale believes that through collective efforts they can fight against Gender-Based Violence and create a world without violence to protect women.
The world is marking 16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence from 25 November to 10 December.
The global theme for this year’s 16 days of activism is “Orange the world: End violence against women now”.
