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(HERALD ZW) VP Mujuru calls for representation by women of substance

VP Mujuru calls for representation by women of substance
Saturday, 09 March 2013 00:00
Herald Reporters

Government needs women of substance to effectively address cases of violence against women and girls, Acting President Joice Mujuru has said.

Speaking to journalists yesterday on the occasion of the International Women’s Day in Harare yesterday, VP Mujuru said it was important to have representation of such women in Parliament because that is where laws are discussed.

“We do not need anybody who will come and swell the numbers, we want people of substance, we want people who come with issues of women at heart, we want women who will be conversant with what will be going on and participate,” she said.

She said women chosen to represent others in Parliament should constantly consult and report back to their constituencies.

“It is not an issue of choosing a woman, it is an issue of choosing someone who can go and make a difference,” she said.

VP Mujuru condemned continual violence against women and children describing the pepertrators as a “shame’’ to the nation.

Recent cases of violence against women and young girls include the beating up of Hurungwe West legislator Cde Sarah Mahoka, the rape and murder of a 12-year old girl from Rugare and raping of a two year old baby by a soldier.

“These are some of the things that we went to fight against because a woman is a human being and most of the people who indulge themselves in such acts are men.

“As women these are some of the things that we should now sit and talk about,” she said.

VP Mujuru said women had their quota of decision making positions guaranteed in the draft constitution and what needs to be done now is a vigorous campaign in their parties.

Earlier, VP Mujuru cogratulated women for achievements made to date.
She said with all the achievements more still needed to be done.

“Today is our day as women of the universe. Lets celebrate it with earnest for things we have so far accomplished,” she said.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe yesterday joined the rest of the world in commemorating the International Women’s Day where stakeholders urged the police to deal with perpetrators of violence against women.

The commemorations were held under the theme: “A promise is a promise. Time for action to end violence against women” and were organised by Safaids.

Speakers at the event called the police to be proactive and play its role to reduce cases of violence against women and the girl child.

House of Assembly Member for Glen View South Funny Munengami said the police should play a pivotal role in reducing cases of domestic violence by implementing Anti Domestic Violence Act.

“Laws are there. We want the police to implement that Act if we are to deal with cases of domestic violence,” he said.

“This issue also requires political will and without that commitment from politicians we will not succeed.”

He said departments that deal with issues of domestic violence needed to be capacitated for them to execute their duties efficiently.
Chairperson of the Health and Child Welfare Parliamentary portfolio committee Cde David Parirenyatwa said everyone should play a role to tame domestic violence.

“Of course the police should play their part but it is the whole society that needs to be dealt with,” he said.

“In schools teachers are raping children and in churches we have cases where women are being raped and it is really the whole society that should deal with the issue of violence against women.”

He urged women to vote for the draft constitution in the referendum set for next Saturday saying protects their rights.

“This particular constitution is a women’s constitution. About of its content support the women and I urge you to read it and understand it,” he said.

Sunningdale legislator Margaret Matienga said urged women to urgently report rape cases.

She said women were too sincere and as such they were failing the justice delivery system.

As part of commemorating the day, a candle lighting ceremony was held in honour of Tsitsi Stacy Manjome who was raped and killed in Rugare recently.

Labels: INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY, JOICE MUJURU, WOMEN

posted by MrK @ 2:09 PM