Trust Rukwava
Centre News
Gweru- Firebrand rural Teachers’ trade union, Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union in Zimbabwe(ARTUZ) marked the 16 days of activism against gender based violence under the theme “Uniting to End Digital Gender-Based Violence Against Women and Girls” asserting their camaraderie[L1] to victims of various forms of gender violence at work and other places in the country.
ARTUZ Gender Secretary, Mercy Kagona, said they stand together with the community in solidarity, in pain, in courage, and in hope as the nation marks the 2025 edition of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
“This year, we rally under a critical theme: “Uniting to End_Digital_Gender-Based Violence against Women and Girls. Gender-based violence has found a new home in the digital space through harassment, revenge pornography, cyberbullying, online stalking, and the silencing of women and girls’ voices online. Our learners, especially girls, are not safe in classrooms and now, many are no longer safe even on their phones or on social media” said Kagona.
Kagona said ARTUZ is not only aware of the challenges but is also taking action through raising awareness among teachers and learners.
“We are calling on government and institutions to create policies that protect digital rights and we are demanding investments in digital safety education particularly for girls in rural areas” added Kagona.
She called on the community to teach girls how to protect themselves online as well as stakeholders to train teachers to respond sensitively to digital abuse cases.
“We must challenge harmful gender norms that fuel both physical and digital violence and build support systems not shame for survivors as this is not just a women’s issue but a justice and human rights issue.”
ARTUZ has urged citizens and educators to unite not just for 16 days, but for as long as it takes until every woman and girl can live, learn, and speak freely in all spaces, including the digital world.
