FROM OUR WOMEN PROJECT

#EndDomesticSilence, #SendTheMessage, #FromOurWomen, #EndGBV,  #Consent, #MeToo #Survivors, #TellingOurStories

By Alex Gwaze, Noxolo Sibanda, and Joanne Peters

Gender-based violence (GBV) is Zimbabwe’s “unspeakable” silent pandemic. Currently, 1 in 3 Zimbabwean women have experienced physical violence and 1 in 4 have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15. However, these figures are likely to be higher because the trauma of the experience, combined with a culture of self-silencing – especially in relationships, schools, and in the workplace – has made it difficult for some survivors to speak out. One of the first steps towards healing is an honest conversation, however, breaking the silence can be an upsetting and painful experience, emotionally and physically, if it is rushed. That is why we at MUD&Co have created a safe and anonymous space for survivors to tell their story under very strict confidentiality, in their own time – in their own words, without being pressured or prompted to answer questions. Sharing your story not only brings healing to yourself, it also provides hope to current victims, and fosters solidarity amongst fellow survivors.  So, if you have survived physical, emotional, or verbal abuse at the hands of your partner, husband, boss, teacher, stranger, or boyfriend  – please help us fight #domesticsilence through this project. 

Project Details:

We are currently working on a multimedia documentary project whose goal is to tell Zimbabwean survivors’ stories. The objectives of this project are to – a) document the voices of the silent majority, b) to spread awareness about the GBV pandemic, and c) to foster a culture of speaking up. Excerpts from our previous work on GBV – the”Pink Portraits” from the #FOROURWOMEN GBV dedications e-book – were exhibited at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare’s “#BalanceForBetter : Redesigning A Woman’s Space” exhibition, in 2019 (links below). Through #FROMOURWOMEN, we can continue the fight against GBV, but we need your help. Please share your story with us if you feel you are ready. You can copy and paste your story via TEXT into the Google form (link below). Or you can TEXT or  SEND A VOICE NOTE  to +263773432955. Our rules are no names, no places, only your age – (all names and places and any identifying information will be removed / censored). Please note by submitting your story you GIVE US PERMISSION TO USE THE STORY for our project.

To help us you can use one of the TWO options below:

OPTION ONE: GOOGLE FORM LINK:

https://forms.gle/7Xw6EbYk6eeDYXcV7

OPTION TWO: WHATSAPP MESSAGE DIRECT LINK:

https://wa.me/message/7OZ7STKEYIYAO1

Number: +263773432955

Thank you for sharing. The deadline for participation is the 30th of July, 2021. The project will be completed by the 1st of July, 2022. Below are the links to previous works we have done to combat GBV.

IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF HELP: 

Zimbabwe Republic Police

Dial 995

The Childline 116 Helpline

Hotline: 116

This is a free telephone-based crisis line that is available 24hours a day, every day of the year. Trained volunteer counsellors provide multi-lingual counselling in English, Shona and Ndebele. 116 is available from all phones operating in Zimbabwe (including fixed Telone landlines and all cell phones despite if you subscribe to Econet, Netone or Telecel mobile networks).

Counselling: +263 732 116 116

Phone: (+263 4) 796741/793715, toll free

CHILDLINE Emergencies only: (+263 772) 221921

Musasa Safe Houses

Hotline: (0)772-100050 Toll free number: 08080074

Physical addresses:

64 Selous Ave, Corner 7th Street, Harare, Zimbabwe

49 Fife St between 3rd &4th Ave Bulawayo, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

1 Josiah Tongogara Street opposite Arex office, Gweru, Zimbabwe

88 Baobab Street, Chiredzi, Zimbabwe. (Next to Jabez Trading)

Phone numbers: +263-(0)4-794983, 706284, 706152, +263-9 – 880112 ,+263-8644052740, (0)54-229270, 229307, +263-(0)314003,  +263(0)775418800

Emails: musasaproj@musasa.co.zw, director@musasa.co.zw, musasabyo@musasa.co.zw, musasagw@musasa.co.zw and musasach@musasa.co.zw

Anti Domestic Violence Council of Zimbabwe

Phone numbers: 263-04 700095 OR 708666

Email: info@advcouncil.org.zw

Action Aid

Phone numbers: +263-04-788123/5, 776127 and +263- 772164448/9

Email: info.zimbabwe@actionaid.org

All emergencies

Dial 999

Emergency, +263 4 705905 / 771221 / 706034 / 0772 235461 / 0772 792800

Emergency, 112, Econet subscribers Toll free number

Emergency, 114, NetOne subscribers Toll free number

Emergency, 0800 3222 911, Toll free landline