Pouring Ashes on Our Faces? An African Womanist Perspective on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The chapter probes and critiques the ‘empowerment’ of women that dominates the government’s political rhetoric in Zimbabwe. What, if any, has the regime done to empower women in the country since independence? I examine the socio-economic and political developments and how they have impacted the legal system in its dealing with gender-based, sexual violence and other related challenges against women. The chapter probes the role of the Zimbabwean society as a whole, but pays greater attention to the role of Pentecostal leaders as power nodes in the social, economic and political life of the nation. My argument is that post-colonial Zimbabwe, from the year 2000 to date, has witnessed piecemeal reforms that are not meant to empower women but to keep them under the grip of patriarchy in all facets of life. The legal system and the judiciary have over the years displayed loopholes that have not discouraged violence against women in particular, to bring men to responsibility and accountability. The cultural bias, the laws and forms of punishment meted out to most of the perpetrators are a cause of concern and these have impeded women’s development, kept them suffering and without a ‘voice’ to effectively challenge the injustices. It is, therefore, imperative for women, especially female leaders in politics and religion, to champion the cause for liberation, emancipation and independence in meaningful ways. This will facilitate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals 3 (health for all) and 5 (gender equality) in Zimbabwe.KeywordsAfrican WomanismSexual and gender-based violenceSustainable Development GoalsZimbabwe