Zimbabwean News You Can Trust
Advocates for women’s rights, Veritas Women, a subsidiary of Veritas Zimbabwe, has celebrated the international women’s day in Domboshava, before the rest of the world commemorates the annual occasion on March 8 this month.
International Women’s Day is an annual event that offers women across the world the opportunity to reflect on the progress achieved in fighting for gender equality and promoting the rights of women and girls in their communities.
The theme of this year’s celebrations is to “foster economic empowerment among women.”
Addressing journalists during the celebrations in Domboshava yesterday, Veritas lawyer Maxine Chisweto said the Veritas women’s gender rights awareness campaigns were effective based on their past experiences in Epworth, adding that several women testified of the benefits of what they learned after the initiative.
Chisweto added that Veritas women will visit Domboshava twice, apart from their campaign yesterday, to ensure that women are aware of their rights and legal issues.
“I think to see how effective these campaigns are, I can share with you what happened in Epworth when on our third encounter women could tell us the difference between a peace order and a protection order. That’s something quite technical for a lawyer, which means our programs are effective and women now know their rights.
“We have done campaigns in Epworth, Caledonia and Hopely, focusing on women sustainability, and ensuring that women are aware of their rights,” said Chisweto.
The local traditional leader, Chief Tendai Gilbert Mungate of Domboshava Ward Four, who also graced the occasion, applauded Verita’s women for doing such an illustrious job, but warned women not to abuse their rights by disrespecting their spouses.
Chief Tendai Gilbert Mungate
“I have seen the Veritas legal document, and it will help women understand their rights and constitution to distinguish between right and wrong. Furthermore, women must respect their husbands regardless of these rights. There are cases where women abuse men because of different educational backgrounds. As Chief Mungate, I disagree with this behavior, but I encourage both parties to respect each other,” said Chief Mungate.
A Domboshava resident, Faith Mautsa, who was part of the Celebrations, said the awareness program had enlightened her to report any abuse to the police.
“I have learned that if you are abused, you should report to the police,” she said.
Veritas Women is a service provided by Veritas Zimbabwe. It is an interactive forum to discuss and promote awareness of women’s rights and status in Zimbabwe, and to foster gender equity.
