Men: Silent victims of GBV

Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter

GENDER-Based Violence (GBV) is predominantly associated with women and girls, leading to various protective measures for the fairer sex leaving out men who also endure significant abuse from their spouses and partners. 

Mr Kwame Mwemba, a 53-year-old businessman from Bulawayo recently became a notable example of men facing GBV in their marriages. His case even reached law enforcement agencies and the courts, which is uncommon, as many men hesitate to report such incidents.

Mr Mwemba’s wife, Ms Pamela Mwapaura was brought before magistrate Ms Nomagugu Maphosa after she allegedly physically assaulted him and damaged his mobile phone, accusing him of giving a lift to another woman. This was not the only instance of violence. 

Ms Mwapaura also struck her husband during an argument over finances when he expressed a desire to borrow money, prompting an assault. 

Ms Mwapaura faced charges of physical abuse and property damage although the case was withdrawn after the couple reconciled with their families’ help.

In a surprising turn, Ms Mwapaura was granted a protection and eviction order against Mr Mwemba last week, claiming that the two were not legally or customarily married — a ruling the magistrate dismissed. 

She was instructed not to stalk Mr Mwemba for the next five years.

Mr Mwemba’s case represents one of many men trapped in abusive marriages but stands out for his courage in reporting his mistreatment. Sources close to the couple indicate that Mr Mwemba, a Zambian national, returned to Zambia due to the ongoing abuse, only to be persuaded by Ms Mwapaura to come back, where he was ultimately subjected to further mistreatment leading to her arrest in November.

Men have often been silent victims of GBV for various reasons, including societal norms that perceive them as stronger and resistant to abuse, pride and the fear of being mocked when reporting female-perpetrated violence to police. 

During the 16 Days Against GBV Service Providers Fair, Commissioner Margaret Mukahanana Sangarwe, chairperson of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, noted, “While women are the most at risk, men are also facing a similar predicament. One in three women aged 15 to 49 in Zimbabwe have experienced physical violence, and one in four have faced sexual violence. These numbers are not just figures; they represent our mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends who suffer in silence. Gender-based violence violates human rights, threatens public health, and doubles as a barrier to social and economic development. We also note that men and boys are also targets of GBV, and although recorded cases are fewer, justice should still prevail.”

Comm Sangarwe emphasised that the ZGC is committed to promoting gender equality and tackling the root causes of GBV. 

“We work diligently to investigate and address complaints of gender-based violence, provide support and protection to survivors, and advocate for policies and laws that promote gender equality and prevent violence. The Commission also seeks to increase knowledge, transform attitudes, and impart skills to improve service delivery practices,” she said.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual campaign running from 25 November to 10 December aimed at eradicating violence against women and girls worldwide. 

The ZGC remarked that this initiative not only combats violence against women and girls but also encourages concerted efforts from all societal stakeholders to support survivors and prevent future violence.

She said gathering all service providers in one forum enhances access to GBV services, raises public awareness and fosters collaboration among diverse stakeholders involved in preventing and responding to GBV. 

“We continue to strengthen our collective response to GBV. By fostering partnerships and establishing a co-ordinated referral pathway, this initiative ensures that all service providers are working together towards a common goal — ending GBV in our communities,” said Comm Mukahanana Sangarwe.

The Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, highlighted prevention and protection, care, and support services as key priorities in the National Strategy to address GBV. 

The Government and the United Nations Population Fund have partnered with Zimbabwe Cricket and Adult Rape Clinic to launch the #72Hours Campaign, urging survivors of sexual and gender-based violence to seek timely support within 72 hours.

They emphasised that sexual and gender-based violence, including rape, remains a pressing concern in Zimbabwe, with many survivors encountering barriers to accessing essential services within the critical 72-hour window for effective emergency contraception and prophylactic treatments against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. 

Currently, fewer than 35 percent of survivors seek help within this timeframe, highlighting an urgent need for increased awareness and access. – @NyembeziMu