Maravi

Traditional norms impede women’s rights, says Chingobe

Traditional norms impede women’s rights, says Chingobe
By Isaac Zulu in Kapiri Mposhi
Thu 02 June 2011, 04:01 CAT

WOMEN and Law in Southern Africa community officer Rudo Chingobe says some traditional norms and beliefs impede the full realisation of women’s rights.

During a workshop for health workers and local court magistrates in Kapiri Mposhi yesterday, Chingobe explained that cultural traditions perpetuated gender based violence.

“I know we have our traditional values and beliefs. But some of these traditions work against the full realisation of women’s rights explained Chingobe.

“Cultural traditions still hinder the fight against gender based violence and there’s need for society to do away with some of these cultural norms and traditions that perpetuate gender based violence.”

She urged members of the community to refrain from regarding men to be more superior than the women.

“Gender roles are interchangeable and can be performed by men and women, boys and girls. Women, just like men, can perform a number of different tasks in any given community and should be allowed to exploit their full potential in life,” said Chingobe. “Responsibilities can be shared. Unfortunately, society has prescribed that certain roles and responsibilities can only be performed by a man or a woman.

These have been prescribed by society through a process known as socialisation. We need to address most of these issues. Society needs to refrain from stereotyping.”

Labels: WOMEN

posted by MrK @ 9:15 PM