Gender-Based Violence- Mhondoro-Ngezi — Tarisai (33) counts herself fortunate as she slowly recovers from a brutal attack that left her bruised, bloodied, and scarred across much of her body. The incident, which occurred in Mhondoro-Ngezi, Mashonaland West province, saw Tarisai subjected to a vicious assault after being accused of dating a married man. She was reportedly beaten, stripped naked, and left with injuries that could have had lasting physical and psychological consequences.
“I didn’t expect that the perpetrators would be brought to book, but someone captured the attack on phone and the video went viral. Within a few days, they were arrested,” Tarisai recounted, highlighting the vital role information and communication technologies (ICTs) played in ensuring justice. Her case is a striking example of how ICTs are increasingly being used in Zimbabwe to combat gender-based violence (GBV) and other social injustices.
However, despite ICT coming to her rescue in seeking justice, Tarisai’s experience also illustrates the wider challenges women and girls face in the digital age, particularly regarding cyber safety. The Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe chairperson, Muchanyara Mukamuri, noted that while the technological era brings enormous benefits, it has also introduced new risks.
“The emergence of ICTs has brought blessings and curses alike,” Mukamuri said. “For instance, when people post videos online involving bullying, sexual content, or attacks on others, it often stems from ignorance of the law and ICT rules. Women and girls are disproportionately affected by this lack of education and knowledge.”
ICTs Helping Women Fight Gender-Based Violence in Zimbabwe
Mukamuri explained that cyberbullying and online harassment are major concerns for women and girls, who often feel isolated and emotionally abused. “Abuse of social media is frequently the result of ignorance or mistrust,” she added. Her organisation provides referral pathways for women and girls who face abuse on social media, coupled with awareness campaigns educating them on safe online behaviour, such as which content to post, like, or share, and which online groups to avoid.
One example she cited involved a young girl from Beitbridge who was deceived by a man she met online. After being blocked, she had no choice but to seek financial help to return home safely, illustrating how online mistrust and deception can have real-world consequences for women and girls. “Our social fabric is greatly affected by ICT misuse, and it’s worrying,” Mukamuri said. While some online relationships have been positive, many end in disappointment, abuse, or financial loss, highlighting the need for education and awareness.
Shamwari YeMwanasika programmes coordinator, Fanuel Marowa, emphasized the positive role ICTs can play in addressing GBV. “ICTs enable rapid response and intervention, allowing us to reach victims and provide timely support,” he said. “Online platforms provide a safe and confidential space for survivors, especially those in remote or marginalized areas.”
Marowa added that ICTs help amplify survivors’ voices, raise awareness about gender-based violations, and promote accountability and support. They also facilitate data collection on GBV, informing policies and programming decisions, and connecting survivors with networks that provide community and solidarity.
Nevertheless, Marowa acknowledged the challenges posed by ICTs, including digital harassment, viral content that can exacerbate trauma, and the digital divide, which can exclude marginalized groups. “ICTs have the potential to be powerful tools in curbing gender-based violations. To harness this potential, we must address the associated challenges and ensure safe and accessible online spaces for survivors,” he said.
ICTs, when used responsibly, enable survivors to report incidents, access legal aid, healthcare services, and shelters, and participate in awareness campaigns about consent, respect, and the impact of GBV. “By amplifying survivors’ voices and providing resources, ICT empowers victims to seek justice and healing,” Marowa emphasized.
In Zimbabwe, GBV remains pervasive, affecting women and girls across social, economic, and cultural contexts. Surveys indicate that approximately one in three women has experienced physical violence, while one in four has faced sexual violence since the age of 15. Forced marriages, particularly in some apostolic sect churches, and traditional harmful practices exacerbate the problem, while economic pressures disproportionately affect women and girls married before turning 18.
Organisations such as Shamwari YeMwanasikana and Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe operate across Mashonaland East, Central, and Harare provinces, focusing on empowering girls, providing support to survivors, and promoting safe and informed ICT use. Tarisai’s case serves as a reminder of both the transformative power and the risks of technology in addressing GBV, demonstrating that ICTs can be a lifeline for women seeking justice in a complex and often hostile environment.
Source- NewsDay
