Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe - Waiting For The Constitution

tapiwaz — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 11:26:17 +0200

Ellina Magodo is a heartbroken woman
The Chegutu farm worker says she has lived all her 72 years hoping for a chance to take part in securing a free and fair Zimbabwe for her six grandchildren and generations to follow.
She tells the Zimbabwean how she has suffered disappointments; first voting in 1980 for President Robert Mugabe who would turn out to be a cruel dictator, then, in 2000 she watched helplessly while the very veterans of the liberation struggle murdered people during the land reform.
This time, Ellina is disappointed by the lack of progress in the constitution making process and the escalating violence.
Kicked out of her workplace five years ago when the farm she worked at was taken over, Ellina and her dependant grandchildren- all below fifteen- have found a new home at the abandoned Chigwell Farm tobacco barns, about ten kilometres from the small town of Chegutu.
Asked why she has lost faith in the new constitution, Ellina spoke plainly, “There is a lot of violence, just like what happened during the days of jambanja (land seizures) and I do not see how we are going to have a people driven constitution unless the violence stops,”
The youth militia and war veterans, all aligned to ZANU PF, have been fingered in the ongoing violence targeting the marginalised rural and farming communities.
“The war veterans come here often to ‘educate’ us on what we should say we need in the constitution and they threaten to repeat the June 27 (2008 presidential elections run off violence) if we do not comply,” she said as she feebly struggled to light a fire to prepare the day’s meal for her grandchildren.
ZANU PF has denied instigating violence, but statements by officials from a trade union that represents farm workers show there is escalating violence in farming communities.
“There has been the re-establishment of torture bases in commonly known farming communities where there is a high number of war veterans and they are holding meetings on a daily and weekly basis, forcing people to attend,” said an official from the General Agriculture and Plantation Workers Union of Zimbabwe (GAPWUZ).
Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Eric Matinenga said the long awaited public consultations are starting ‘sometime in June’
The Constitutional Parliamentary Committee (COPAC), tasked to spearhead the making of a consituions under the Global Political Agreement has delayed the process, citing funding constraints. It is understood that donors have at some instances pulled the plug in response to the disagreement that arose between the three political parties over the implementation of the GPA.
This week, one of the co-chairs of COPAC, Paul Mangwana of ZANU PF said the consultations will start on June 15.
On the issue of violence, Matinenga said government is aware of it. “It is an issue which government must address and I am hoping it will be resolved as the organ on national healing is aware of it,” said Matinenga.
The Organ on National Healing and Reconciliation, headed by Sekai Holland, Vice President John Nkomo and Gibson Sibanda, has been widely castigated for not moving fast to heal the country after a decade of violence.
John Asani, a former farm worker living at the Shenckleton Compound near Alaska Mine in Chinhoyi blamed the nongovernmental organisations for not stretching their awareness campaigns to remote areas.
“All that we see about the constitution are the ZANU PF youths who come to harass us. We are not aware of the progress and there is so much confusion around here are scared of what might happen to them if they try to exercise their will,” he said.
Asani said during the past elections, civic society organisations helped in educating rural people on the progress.
“The education helped us in many ways because even though ZANU PF was unleashing its violence, we were well informed and, the events were well documented for future reference, but now it is all silence,” he said.
The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, an umbrella body of over 300 civic society organisations says it has been doing outreach programmes throughout the country educating people on the need for a new constitution.
Speaking to The Zimbabwean, the programmes co-ordinator Pedzisai Ruhanya said, “We have done most of our meetings without any disruptions although we have witnessed some violence meted out on people by war veterans and youth militia.”

Zim Minister speaks on protection of minority groups in new constitution

Milestah — Wed, 19 May 2010 11:28:12 +0200

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Constitutional Affairs, Advocate Eric Matinenga
has highlighted the need for protection of minorities and vulnerable groups namely; homosexuals, albinos, ethnic minorities in the country’s new constitution.

In his response to a barrage of questions submitted through Kubatana website by members of the public on the country’s constitutional making process.

Asked on how the rights of minorities such as the disabled, albinos, ethnic minorities and homosexuals will be protected in the new Constitution, the advocate had this to say: “I am going to respond to this in two parts – a general overview, and then specific ways in which we can protect the minorities and vulnerable groups of Zimbabwe.

“In general, any Constitution that is worth its salt will provide an equality clause. This talks about being equal before the law. On that basis, one can argue that everybody – including the minorities, including the vulnerable groups – are protected. This is the beginning. But the reality is different, because some groups are more vulnerable than others.”

On the question of how best minorities can be protected he explained: “There are three ways. Let’s take for example the disabled. But what I say applies to any group that is disadvantaged – women, a tribal minority, a cultural minority, and so forth. The points I make are equally applicable.

Firstly, we need to address the question of whether we are able to set aside a number of seats in Parliament in proportion to the size of that vulnerable group.

Number two, it is important that we provide a clause or clauses which advances the welfare of those minority and vulnerable groups who were disadvantaged by past practices, such as some kind of affirmative action.

Number three, the setting up of institutions which look after these groups is extremely important – the Gender Commission, the Anti-Discrimination Commission – these are some of the groups which will advance the protection of these various minority groups and vulnerable groups,” the Advocate stressed.

The current Zimbabwean constitution brokered at the Lancaster House Conference in 1979, does not recognize non- discrimination on grounds of one’s sexual orientation. Moreso, The Criminal Law(Codification and Reform) Act[ 2006] redefined sodomy to mean consensual sex, or any act involving physical contact other than anal sexual intercourse that would be regarded by a reasonable person to be an indecent act. If found guilty one is liable to a fine up to or exceeding level fourteen or imprisonment for a period not exceeding one- year or both.

Warriors with a difference

Milestah — Thu, 13 May 2010 16:13:16 +0200

A group of young women, who call themselves the ‘Vagina Warriors’, have embarked on a mission to break the silence and shame surrounding the issue of sex, and sexuality.

Also prominent in the acts is the topic of homosexuality and how lesbian women suffer social injustice in their everyday lives.

The team belongs to Young Women Leadership Initiatives (YOWLI), an organisation which works with young women in encouraging them to embrace their bodies and empowers them to talk openly about issues affecting their lives especially surrounding sex and pleasure.

The Vagina Warriors is a rendition of the Vagina Monologues. In their act the women highlight the plight of women and how patriarchy always find its way in the lives of many women regardless of social standing.

Highlighted is the issue of how culture and religion are often used as a tool to suppress women and their bodies. However some of the women openly declare that “my vagina is tired” an indication that women have had enough of pleasing other people, conforming to culture and being subservient to partriarchy.

The acts delve on domestic violence, women abuse and how women have no control over financial resource that they work for let alone their own bodies. Women share stories of pain and pleasure. After each act, discussions are held and questions are asked to get the full participation of the audience, this is a way of edutainment.

“This is an effective yet interesting way of making women embrace the fact that they fearfully and wonderfully made and therefore should not be made to feel otherwise by anyone. It is surprising that the bible is often used as a way to silence discussions around sex, yet the bible itself has verse that embrace the act itself” said a renowned Zimbabwean artists Dudu Manhenga who was facilitating the discussions.

Zimbabwean Human Rights Defenders throw weight behind LGBTI rights

Milestah — Tue, 11 May 2010 11:05:56 +0200

By Miles Tanhira
The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum (ZHR) has castigated the churning out of homophobic speech by political leaders as this fuels hate and violence against Lesbian Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBTI) people.

This was said during a press conference organised by the Forum in collaboration with the Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ) recently. ZHR NGO Forum Executive Director, Abel Chikomo, read out an open letter addressed to the principals in the Government of National Unity (GNU).

The letter reads: ”We the undersigned individuals and organisations committed to the development of a positive rights discourse in Zimbabwe, are very concerned at recent statements made as part of International Women's Day celebrations in Chitungwiza, where the theme was "Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress for All."

"The statements, which make reference to attempts to include gay rights in the Constitution, undermine public tolerance and acceptance of diversity. Issues of sexuality impact on the dignity, privacy, identity and freedom of people. We urge you not to undermine the dignity of these individuals by making such homophobic statements.

"We call on the principals to desist from making statements likely to promote hate and prejudice. Zimbabwe is going through a transition from a period characterised by hate, violence and economic suffering and moving towards national healing."

"As Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai said in his weekly newsletter after the incident:
There can be no place in the new Zimbabwe for hate speech or the persecution of any sector of our population based on race, gender, tribe, culture, sexual orientation or political affiliation. All of us are entitled to our own opinions on certain values and beliefs, but in order to move our nation forward and achieve national reconciliation and healing, we have to uphold and foster the fundamental principle of tolerance, including tolerance of people that have chosen to live, believe and vote differently from ourselves. For too long, many of you, my fellow Zimbabweans, have not had the freedom of choice. Our new constitution shall be the cornerstone of a new society that embraces this particular freedom of choice and tolerance of both majority and minority views.

"We support a Constitution that protects Zimbabweans against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, just as it prevents discrimination on grounds such as race, gender, ethnicity, or religion.

"The immediate challenge the nation is facing is overcoming social deprivations in areas such as hunger, health, education, unemployment and violence against women and children and above all the functionality of the GNU. These are the areas in which the Principals in the GNU should be providing leadership; rather than fostering antipathy and intolerance.”

Chikomo added that hate speech, which targets minority groups, LGBTI community in particular, exposes them to discrimination.

“We have noted over the years that hate messages create a culture of intolerance. We have to stop a culture of churning out hate speech against any group of individuals.”

Asked if the open letter was going to yield any positive results, Chikomo had this to say: “We believe in the spirit of inclusiveness in moving the nation forward. This means that the principals in the GNU have to listen to all sectors of society. We hope that these principals are going to listen to all our views in achieving unity.”

Chikomo also urged journalists to build and not divide people.
“You must use the pen to promote tolerance of diversity amongst people. This will stop our leadership from churning out hate messages as they will not be awarded that platform,” he added.

Recently, addressing women at a Women’s Day Commemorations rally, the President was at it again, spewing homophobic utterances, describing homosexuality as insanity and madness. Not to be outdone, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai also echoed the same sentiments, leading to a general outcry from human rights defenders and the LGBTI community of Zimbabwe.

GALZ hosts Sexual Orientation Indaba

Milestah — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:33:56 +0200

Exactly a decade after making futile attempts to engage civil society organizations and the general public on the inclusion of sexual orientation in the Constitution, GALZ made headway on the 26 of February, when in collaboration with other human rights organizations it hosted the Sexual Orientation Indaba.

The event saw close to a hundred participants from various NGOs in Zimbabwe come all out to map a way forward in supporting the recognition of LGBTI people and inclusion of a sexual orientation clause in the new Constitution.

On the Indaba panel were prominent Human Rights Lawyer Otto Saki, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) Director Irene Sawyer, and Sexual Rights Centre (SRC) Director Sian Maseko.

All panelists highlighted the need for human rights activists to look at LGBTI issues from a human rights perspective. Emphasis was placed on the need for NGOs that deal with human rights to separate personal from professional issues in order to not to reinforce the stigma and discrimination of LGBTI people.

Addressing delegates, Sian Maseko highlighted the need for human rights activists to realise that sexual orientation was not just an issue for LGBTI people.

“When we talk about sexual orientation, we should realise that we all have a sexual orientation as human beings. Human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and inalienable. There are no human rights which apply to some human beings and not some, and you cannot strip some people of their rights.”

Otto Saki also said : “There’s the obligation to respect human rights. What does that mean; it means one has to refrain from interfering directly with your fundamental rights. They should not prohibit anyone from enjoying those rights in terms of the law. They have to be protected so in the event of being stopped for instance in a demonstration, we’d expect the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to protect you. It’s an obligation and they have to fulfill those rights. The right to work, education, health, all sort of rights to privacy all these rights we talking about that apply to heterosexual also applies to any other forms of orientation,” he explained.

During group discussions participants highlighted why it was important to include the sexual orientation clause in the new Constitution, the benefits for LGBTI people and society at large. Also noted were the implications of not having the sexual orientation clause in the new Constitution. These are: continued discrimination, arrests, curative rape for lesbians, beatings, harassment and driving of LGBTI people underground. This has an impact when it comes to HIV/AIDS on both the heterosexual and homosexual communities.

Representatives from various organizations gave examples of how they were going to incorporate and highlight LGBTI issues in their work, and how they were going to work hand in glove with GALZ to achieve this. Also highlighted were the obstacles likely to hamper their endeavors. These are: resistance by people owing to religion, culture, and influence from people in positions of authority, homophobic legislation, and events happening in other African countries eg Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, as well as lack of capacity within their organisations to be able to articulate LGBTI issues.

However, at the end of the meeting, participants were able to come up with a working plan. Ideas were also shared on how to overcome the obstacles. To show their support and dedication to human rights work, participants compiled a preliminary draft resolution saying – among other things – that sexual orientation and gender are integral to every person’s dignity and humanity. They also agreed that it’s necessary to specifically include sexual orientation in the new Zimbabwean Constitution.

President of Chief's Council Makes Homophobic Utterances

Milestah — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:12:30 +0200

An organization which represents the interests of sexual minorities in Zimbabwe, The Sexual Rights Centre (SRC), has taken a swipe at the President of the Chief’s Council for making a homophobic utterance that there is no place for sexual minorities in the new Constitution.

In a statement, the Centre said it noted with concern statements on homosexuality that appeared in the Sunday News of 7-13 February, 2010 from the President of the Chiefs’ Council, Chief Fortune Charumbira.

In the article titled "Chiefs say gays have no place in new constitution of Zimbabwe", Chief Charumbira is quoted as saying that homosexuality is “a social wrong that progressive minds should resist” and that it is “alien to Zimbabwe and is a taboo.” Chief Charumbira is also quoted as saying that “even the platform to discuss such issues should not be accorded.”

The Sunday News continued to quote Chief Charumbira saying that Uganda has passed a law that says homosexuals should be killed and that traditional leaders in Zimbabwe will soon advocate for that too, if some sectors of the population continue to call for the recognition of the rights of homosexuals in the new Constitution.

Chief Charumbira’s statements are discriminatory and inaccurate. Chief Charumbira’s statements reveal a clear lack of understanding and appreciation of human rights and sexual rights in particular. These rights include the right to life, liberty and security, the right to freedom of expression and access to information, the right to equal protection and non-discrimination, the right to family and the right to health. The Chief’s statements are inflammatory and disregard the democratic process of a people-driven Constitution.

The Sexual Rights Centre strongly feels that the Sunday News has demonstrated irresponsible journalism by not printing a reasoned and balanced article about this issue.

As an organisation we work with sexual minorities to reduce stigma and discrimination, increase understanding and awareness, and emphasize best and ethical practice in programmes working with Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Inter-sex (LGBTI) persons. We frame LGBTI issues within the context of human rights and we encourage the nation to uphold the rights of every individual and to respect them.

The Sexual Rights Centre encourages journalists and editors to present both sides of the debate and not allow one-dimensional and ill-informed opinions to dominate the media. It is essential that traditional leaders, government officials and those involved in the constitution-making process should respect the views of all.    

Zimbabweans applaud amendments to draconian law

Milestah — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:38:50 +0200

Human rights defenders, civil society organisations the media fraternity and the general public have applauded the Honourable Member of Parliament, Innnocent Gonese, for proposing amendments to the draconian and suppressive Public Order and Security Act (POSA).

Although not well attended, the meeting held in Harare on the 22nd of February, facilitated by the Parliamentary Home Affairs Committee, saw representatives from various civil society organisations presenting the Committee with their written submissions on the proposed amendments to the Bill.

The Private Member’s Bill has ten clauses of focus namely:

The name of the Bill should be changed to the Public Order security Act 2009.
The definition of public demonstration be changed to mean gatherings large enough to cause public disorder / breach of peace, and public meetings to exclude domestic meetings of organisations or political parties.
The inclusion of the freedom of association and assembly clause as well as training for police officers on upholding of human rights.
Temporary banning of traditional weapons should be for up to 3 months and weapons should be banned if in breach of peace, and redefining of the term, ‘serious breach.’
Instead of the legislated 7-5 days required to notify the police in order to get clearance before holding a demonstration or meeting, it proposes that these be reduced to 4 days and that failure to give such a notice should not be regarded as an offence.
On the issue of authority to hold meetings, and approval of meetings, that this be left as the discretion of the high court and not the police.
The High Court, and not the police, should also issue temporary prohibition of demonstrations or meetings.
Protected places such as Parliament should be accessible to all citizens and not for them to be sanctified places.
On the issue of damages, while POSA states that the conveyor is liable for any damages that may occur during a demonstration, it is proposed that the conveyor be given the opportunity to defend themselves, to prove that they tried to observe and abide by conditions imposed. Also to prove that whether they did or did not notify the police, the damages were still going to occur.
The last proposed amendment is on the issue of the carrying of identification cards by citizens. It is argued that this empowers the police to conduct random stop-and-search operations on citizens, which is an invasion of privacy.

Speaking at the meeting, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human rights Director, Irene Petraz, commended the move to amend POSA but was quick to point out that there is a need to push for a full repeal of this and other repressive and oppressive legislation. “We understand that there is need to observe public order, but this should be justifiable in a democratic society. We are concerned about the selective application of this law by the police,” she explained.

Echoing the same sentiments, a Women’s Trust representative added that this piece of legislation impinges on our Constitutional liberties such as the rights to freedom of expression, association, movement and assembly. “This legislation is even more oppressive to the women’s movement. Unlike their male counterparts who can go to beer halls or clubs, women have few social spaces to discuss issues that affect them. When women’s issues are presented individually they are dismissed. This has often prompted women to speak with a collective voice; this is often met with punitive measures under POSA," she said.

“As Women’s Trust we support the Private Member’s Bill, as it is crucial. These amendments will ensure that we are given the space to air out our views. The public should be allowed to freely associate and give out their views, especially now during the Constitutional reform process. And POSA hinders that.”

In their submission the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) said that Zimbabwe is now a police state. “Giving enormous power to the police is an abuse to the people. The fact that POSA gives the police the rights to stop and search you at any time and place, is an inversion of one’s privacy. We have had our meetings cancelled because the police deny giving us clearance. At one point we had to have a meeting in Botswana. We feel that the powers of the police need to be limited and not to infringe on our constitutional rights," the submission said.

The acting director of GALZ, Chesterfield Samba, also highlighted during the meeting that the Act is hampering the organisation's operations.

“In some instances, it takes as long as three weeks for our meeting to get clearance and by the time the response comes it will be stating that we cant hold the meeting. This leads to loss of resources for the organisation. The amendment will ensure that the regulating authorities are also aware of the law and do not selectively apply it,” he stressed.

Because this law leaves too much power in the hands of the police, activists considered to be anti-government have been detained for days or months, while others have been beaten up during demonstrations as the police quell disturbances.

POSA was crafted in 2002 and since then has been under attack left, right and centre by activists, human rights defenders and ordinary Zimbabweans alike, as against the Zimbabwean Constitution. Others have castigated the law as being similar to, or even worse than, the Rhodesian Law and Order Maintenance Act (LOMA), which was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, owing to its draconian and repressive nature.

Hear Our Plea!

Milestah — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 10:46:20 +0200

As part of the constitutional reform process currently underway in Zimbabwe, GALZ has produced a 15-minute documentary on LGBTI people calling for inclusion of their rights and recognition as citizens of Zimbabwe in the new Constitution.

The documentary, which is entitled Tinzweiwo (Hear our plea) is a plea to Zimbabweans who have always brushed the issues of homosexuality aside as non-existent or unnatural.

About 10 GALZ members are interviewed narrating their stories as gays and lesbians who were born and bred in Zimbabwe, and have not been influenced by any foreigners -- contrary to the myth that homosexuality is a Western import. Although most the interviews are in Shona, the video has English subtitles.

The rather heart-rending DVD also contains testimonies of homophobic experiences in the hands of family, society and law enforcement agencies. The members also highlight their reasons for advocating for the decriminalisation of homosexual acts as well as their call for an end to state-instigated homophobia. This has led to constant attacks and threats to gay and lesbian people who at times run the risk of being blackmailed once their sexuality is discovered.

This DVD will also be distributed as part of the sexual orientation indaba information pack to representatives from other NGOs, policy makers and members of some religious sects. Plans are also in the pipeline to submit copies of this DVD together with the GALZ submission, to the Constitutional Committee.

The current Zimbabwean Constitution brokered at the Lancaster House Conference in 1979, does not forbid discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Under current Zimbabwean law, homosexuality is outlawed, and gays and lesbians can face jail time or heavy fines if prosecuted.

Silenced By Silence

Milestah — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:27:42 +0200

The culture of silence amongst African lesbians has been an area of concern and interest to me as everything that happens or affects the lesbian community, always boils down to the fact that it is very difficult for us to speak our true feelings out. So I’ve decided to take time and investigate this issue.

l’d like to start from the beginning of time, when a girl child is born into a family where in most cases the father is the Head of the family. What he says must go, he’s got the first and the last say, and the mother has to prepare the food in the evening and bring the whole pot of meat to the father to choose and dish for himself first -- and whoever else has to share what’s left from him.

The mother bows down as a form of respect to the father and never complains or asks questions, argues or challenges him; she just conforms to the societal expectations of a good wife and just keeps quiet about it! One of the ground principles she is taught is “A woman must be seen, not heard.”

Not forgetting the fact that in some or most cases the father might not be there due to work, as most were working away from home or they were never part of the family at all!

A girl child looks up to the mother as her pillar of strength and everything. She grows up and she reaches a stage of puberty, having never had a talk with her on anything on sexuality; I mean anything at all! She’s got a slight idea that one day she is going to have periods but she doesn’t know much on that, as she only heard it from some classmates at school. She mostly doesn’t feel like doing “girly” things, but it it’s so difficult to explain it as she does not have anyone to speak to so she keeps it in and she knows deep down that she is different, and she doesn’t really know how!!

She gets overwhelmed sometimes by loneliness and feels isolated and different as she can’t relate to anyone but she keeps quiet anyway. The time come comes when she gets periods. She’s scared to tell her parents, in most cases the Mom, but she knows what to do because at school somehow she got the information. And that is once again done, dusted under the carpet and kept quiet about.

When and if the mother finds out, there’s not much to say except for buying a packet of sanitary towels and saying “Be Careful Of The Boys” Well, that’s probably good but is it enough?

As she grows up she knows that she is really not attracted to boys, she only hangs out with the boys as she feels attracted to girls. She acts and behaves like a boy, experimenting on cigarettes, alcohol and in some cases drugs. Well, she’s quiet about everything as nobody seems to understand her at home, at school and even in the society.

The male friends that she hangs out with don’t really understand her, as they surely know that she is a female and they can’t seem to understand her although they treat her as one of them.

As the topic of sexual orientation and sexuality is not discussed, once again they keep quiet about it. In fact she doesn’t even know herself. All she knows is that she is different and once again because of our societal norms, the first thing that comes to mind is that she is a boy as she does all the things that boys do.

This becomes very difficult and puts a lot of strain on the family. With the inability to sit her down and try to understand what is really going on with her and support her, all that comes to mind is “What are the people going to say?”

Now the family alienates her, she’s once again on her own, she is more reliant on her “male” friends as she at least relates more to them. She gets deeper into drugs and alcohol as they make her feel like she belongs and is happy for a while.

In that moment of vulnerability, she becomes exposed to sexual violence by one or all of her friends or even worse, a member or members of the society: remember they don’t understand and as they are under influence they take advantage as they know the she is a woman. In some cases they just think she’ll be fine after that as she probably only needed a “real man”.

Some want to spite her as they feel threatened by her -- that she might take their girlfriends. Some abuse her, just so she a learns of what is expected of an African woman.

Sadly, she keeps quiet about it because she’s ashamed and hurting inside and lonely, as nobody is there to listen and understand her. The only thing that keeps her going is what she tells herself everyday that: “It didn’t happen.”

She discovers that she is pregnant. She’s scared, lonely and confused. With desperation and as hard as it is and on her own she manages to get rid of the baby. And again just keeps quiet about it. This is just one possibility.

In a few months' time, life goes on, she’s finally at peace and at ease as she has left the community where she grew up and is now staying with her female partner and they are very happy.

The problem starts once again as she is deeply affected by the Culture Of Silence: in fact she doesn’t find it necessary to talk openly about things. She’d rather cause a huge fight with her partner the day before her periods start so that she can disappear and come back to work things out when its finished, rather than talking it out and saying, “Babe, it’s that time of the month.”

Sadly, she falls sick

At the back of her mind something clicks about the sexual violence experienced years ago, but once again she keeps quiet because it didn’t happen. The partner is deeply hurting. She doesn’t know where to go and seek necessary help, because she also doesn’t know as everything is kept in silence.

She sadly dies

The partner is under tremendous stress and heartache and blames every one, including God, for what happened. She is confused and helpless after losing the love of her life; even more devastated and broken when she gets the information that her partner died of AIDS.

She then blames herself as her partner kept everything in silence. The partner also keeps everything in silence. She cannot reveal what killed her partner, and let alone find out about her own status.

SADLY
Let’s take a closer look in this deadly Culture of Silence.

How can her partner not feel this way.

As things were happening in her family, and the mother who is the role model was kept in SILENCE.

As sexuality and sexual orientation discussions were kept in SILENCE.

As periods were kept in SILENCE.

As exposure to drugs and alcohol as a form of stress relief was kept in SILENCE.

As being a victim of sexual violence was kept in SILENCE.

As she has seen no need to go and get tested for the possibility of HIV infection because everything was kept in SILENCE.

As she didn’t need to use protection with her partner, afraid of breaking the SILENCE.

She ends up being SILENCED by SILENCE.

Yes SILENCE is GOLDEN, but is it worth it When so many of us are SILENCED by IT and DYING in IT?

Human rights day: a long way to go

Milestah — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:18:52 +0200

A peaceful march to commemorate Africa Human Rights Day on 21 October 2009 was marred when the police prevented activists and ordinary Zimbabweans from marching. This was a rather disturbing and sad development signaling an insult to Zimbabweans’ constitutional liberties.

The march, facilitated by ZimRights and the Zimbabwe NGO forum, was scheduled to take place from the Harare Gardens to the Central Business District (CBD).

The police also confiscated some of the T-shirts displaying Constitution-related messages. However, people still lifted placards and banners with human rights messages and demands for recognition of their rights as citizens.

Hundreds of people could not be deterred from commemorating the day, as they still gathered in the park for this event. Poets and dancers entertained the crowd. The theme of the event was, ‘Justice Paves Way for Peace’.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Parliamentary and Constitutional Affairs, Advocate Eric Matinenga, said there was a need for Zimbabwe to walk the talk when it came to issue of human rights. “Although we are a signatory of the Human Rights Charter there is need for us to ensure that all human rights are respected,” he said. “There are no rights which are peculiar to a certain country. It does not help for us to say certain rights apply only to the West or East. All rights are universal and should be applied as such.”

He added that it was a shame that some countries in Africa emphasised rights for Africans as distinct from other continents and, used this as an excuse to suppress other people’s rights in the process.

“There is need for people’s rights to be respected and it is important that in the new Constitution, rights such as reproductive health rights for women should be included, as well as children’s education rights,” added the advocate.

Commenting on the issue, Ms Ella Mandeya from Highfields suburb, said she was surprised by the police’s reaction – especially on such a day. “They just had to violate our rights! This is an indication that Zimbabwe still has a long way to go as far as respect for human rights is concerned,” she said.

Another student said: “Today is Africa Human Rights Day commemoration. If Zimbabwe is in Africa we need to see this being respected. Our rights enshrined in the Constitution are violated when such things happen. After all, the march was going to be peaceful, it’s sad that we speak of rights when ours are being suppressed,” he explained.

An Ode of an Extraodinary activist

Milestah — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:55:32 +0200

A small stature, a giant voice, a powerful spirit

How best can I describe thee, words fail me.

Your wit, intelligence and determination

Amidst all the struggle and condemnation

With the stubbornness of a horse, you still rose

Stood higher than your own height could reach

Fought with your every breath till the end.

A true hero, you are.

Zororai murugare

Your were crucified and vilified,

Yet could not be terrified for you still sacrificed

Where others where running away, you stood firm

Gave voice to the voiceless, fought tirelessly for all

For what you believed you stood bravely

Your never-die spirit will be cherished

A cadre, a colleague, genuine cde for our struggle

Lala Kahle

You touched any heart, changed many souls

From the mbira to the keyboard keys

You had a unique way of striving for peace

A fearless fighter, a humble leader

Though you are gone, your legacy will live on

Our hero, you will forever be our backbone

Rest in peace cde

We love because he first loved us. If anyone says,"I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us command:Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
(1 Jonh 4:20)

A great man of our times is honoured

Milestah — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:07:22 +0200

“If more people in this world were as passionate about their beliefs, the cause they took up, as Keith was, or even took causes up at all, it would be a very different place indeed. The Keiths of this world are altogether way too rare.”

These were powerful words said in Keith Goddard’s eulogy during his funeral service held this morning at GALZ resource centre. Activists, artists and GALZ members came all out to pay their last respects to a man who dared trade where angels feared.

During the service speaker after speaker spoke highly of Keith Goddard as a selfless man, who put his life on the line for what he believed in and sacrificed himself for the rights of Lesbian , Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) people in the world.

In her speech, long time and close friend of the activist, Rosie Mitchell, described Keith as a courageous and remarkable man who touched so many people’s lives and made an impact.

“Keith challenged all of us. He recognised in each of us, our individual moral weaknesses, our flaws and doubts, and he went for the jugular. In doing so he forced us to confront the parts of ourselves in need of examination and scrutiny, forced us to question, the way the world is, everything. He had a fearlessness in his convictions that bordered on the reckless, and the world is better for that recklessness, for the world needs people like Keith and there are few enough of them, and they leave their mark,” Mitchell explained.

Echoing the same sentiments, The Zimbabwe College of Music Director, Mr Agrippa Sora, said Keith was a humble artists who had committed his time and life to the college where he not only a board member but a lecturer.

“Keith came to the college when he was only 12 years old and he had a passion for music and contributed immensely to the music industry in Zimbabwe. He had even volunteered to teach ‘O’ level Cambridge music lesson to our new students in 2010. His death is a great loss to both the college and the students.”

Human rights activist and a board member of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Forum (ZHRF), Brian Penduka, added that Keith was a down to earth man and an activist who was dedicated to his work.

“He would not demand any money for his work and was always available to do his duty as a ZHRF board member, he did not complain even when things were difficult he always offered to help. His death is a blow not only to the forum but to many human right activists,” stressed Penduka.

The GALZ Co chairperson, Belinda Weale also said Keith make a great contribution to the Zimbabwean LGBTI community and fought tirelessly for the rights of the marginalised.

“Today we mourn not only the death of a director but also an inspiration to the whole LGBTI community, as well as an active human rights activist all over the world. Keith has left an inexplicable void in all our lives and our work.”

During the service, some of Keith’s students also played some traditional music instruments in his honour.

Meanwhile, the body of the gallant and veteran human rights activist and musician will be taken to Mutare for cremation tomorrow.

A dark cloud hangs over the LGBTI community of Zimbabwe,and across the world as well as the human rights fraternity and the music industry as we morn the death of a great man.

Fare thee well, Cde ,Rest in peace and may your star continue shinning down upon us. Your legacy and your hard work will be cherished, we shall lift the banner of human rights higher!

Reality of climate change

Milestah — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:00:16 +0200

To many people, the reality of climate change may seem far removed. It can mean that summer is not as hot or winter is not as cold. For those in the developing world, it can mean something much bigger. In Zimbabwe, it can mean that people don't have enough to eat or lack the ability to produce enough to earn a living.

In Zimbabwe, the change in the climate has given farmers a short, unreliable and unpredictable rainy growing season, bringing frequent droughts over the last 10 years. Because the economy relies on rain-fed agriculture, this roller-coaster ride has hurt those whose lives depend on a small piece of family land and rely solely on rainfall for all their water needs. The rains have been confined to three months a year, resulting in severe thunderstorms and floods. Then it gets dry, leaving crops to wither because of a lack of water.

The recent shifts in the rainfall patterns have made it difficult for farmers to plan on which crops to grow. The unpredictability in the timing and duration of the drought brings stress on crops, reducing yields, and even sometimes even means that crops die before producing anything. Farmers find it very difficult to part with their yearly savings to buy fertilizers and herbicides when there is a chance the crop will be wiped out by drought. This environment makes farming riskier than a weekend in Las Vegas for people who have little to gamble with.

This change in rainfall patterns has not only affected agriculture, but has a negative impact on the social fabric of communities. Most people who depend on work on farms or plantations in the villages cannot find employment. (By Cathrine Ziyomo)

Soldiers guarding invaded farm accused of sexually harassing farm women

tapiwaz — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:54:57 +0200

The General Agriculture and Plantation Workers Union of Zimbabwe is investigating serious cases of sexual harassment of women – among other human rights abuses- at the recently occupied Karori Farm where 95 farm worker families have been evicted.

Three women at the farm spoke to GAPWUZ officials last Friday and accused members of the army manning the farm of sexually harassing them and looting their belongings. Last week Brigadier Justin Mujati reportedly sent soldiers to seize the farm in defiance of a High Court order barring Mujati from holding on to the crop harvested by the previous owner, Charles Lock.

The soldiers are reported to have chased the farm workers out of the farm before going on a rampage, looting the stored tobacco and wheat crops. But GAPWUZ today reports that the soldiers are not only lootiong the farmer's crop, but are also sexually harassing the women.

“When the women reported to the police, not action was taken against the soldiers and this has since raised questions as to the extent of the harassment and as union we are going to make sure we follow up on this case using the relevent offices and we have since sought legal assistance from our humna rights parnetrs,” said Gerturde Hambira, General Secretary of the union.

GAPWUZ has reported that there are over 66 000 farm workers who have been displaced since February this year. The union, which has been at loggerheads with government over the alleged human rights abuses during the controversial lkand reform, has also written a letter to the Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai' s office demanding that action be taken to stop the harssment of farm workers