By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Harare — The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) marked the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict yesterday by condemning ongoing gender-based violence and highlighting critical issues faced by residents in the city.
While Zimbabwe has not experienced armed conflict in recent years, CHRA emphasized that sexual violence remains a significant problem in society, disproportionately affecting women and girls.
In a statement, CHRA criticized the local authority for neglecting residents’ basic service needs such as addressing sewer bursts and ensuring access to clean drinking water—despite repeated calls.
The association pointed out that these service failures expose women and girls to increased risks of abuse and violence, especially at water points and sanitation facilities where they are vulnerable to harassment and assault.
“Despite calls to provide basic services like water and sanitation, the local authority has ignored residents’ complaints, leaving women and girls vulnerable to abuse while trying to access these essential services,” said CHRA.
“This neglect not only compromises their health but also exposes them to gender-based violence.”
While the country has not been directly affected by armed conflict recently, CHRA underscored that sexual violence persists as a pervasive issue, with women and girls facing rape, harassment, and other forms of violence during their daily routines.
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to supporting survivors and promoting a society free from gender-based violence. Citing Section 52 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which guarantees the right to personal security, and the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23, which criminalizes rape and sexual violence, CHRA called on authorities to take urgent action.
Specifically, CHRA urged the government and local authorities to Provide essential services such as water supply, garbage collection, and sewer repairs to reduce situations that put women at risk of violence.
“As we observe this day, we stand in solidarity with survivors of sexual violence and call for immediate action to address both the societal and infrastructural factors that perpetuate violence against women and girls,” CHRA concluded.
The association emphasized that eliminating sexual violence requires a collective effort, involving government action, community awareness, and the protection of basic rights for all residents.