Teach Men Not To Rape: Weekly Pulse Challenges Victim Blaming
Bekezela Dube
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – In a poignant session of the Weekly Pulse WhatsApp discussion, the Zimbabwe Gender Commission’s legal officer, Phindile Ncube, took a stand against victim blaming in cases of sexual violence, advocating for education aimed at men rather than policing women’s clothing choices.
The discussion, hosted by Rumbidzai Mhlanga, centered around the root causes of rape, emphasizing that the crime is fundamentally about power and control, not attire. “Rape is illegal regardless of what someone is wearing,” Ncube declared, refuting the common misconception that clothing provokes sexual assault.
Ncube delved into Zimbabwe’s legal protections against such violence, highlighting the Labour Act’s provisions against workplace harassment and the absence of national dress codes for women. She pointed out, “There is no law in Zimbabwe dictating how women should dress, though some workplaces have dress codes.” She further supported her argument by referencing the Constitution’s commitment to human dignity, bodily integrity, and freedom from violence, including the criminalization of marital rape and enhanced sentencing guidelines for perpetrators
The conversation also tackled the broader implications of victim blaming, with participants noting the diverse demographics of rape victims, from infants to the elderly, thus debunking the myth that attire is a factor. “This nullifies the notion that women are raped because of how they dress,” one participant remarked.
A significant part of the discussion focused on prevention, where Ncube warned about the risks posed by even the closest family members, advocating for heightened awareness and protection for children. “Let us not trust anyone with our children as anyone can be a potential criminal,” she advised.
The dialogue then shifted towards community involvement in changing cultural narratives. Suggestions included open forums in religious and community settings and encouraging men to take active roles in gender equality programs. “Men must be involved in gender-related programs,” Ncube insisted, urging men to become advocates for change.
The psychological impact of victim blaming was also discussed, highlighting how it discourages survivors from coming forward, leading to severe mental health issues or worse. Ncube stressed the importance of supportive environments and organizations like the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, Contact, and Emthonjeni Women’s Forum, which offer critical legal and psychosocial support.
In conclusion, Ncube called for a societal transformation where men actively challenge and change harmful stereotypes. “Men must be champions for the rights of all,” she concluded, pushing for a collective societal effort to address and prevent sexual violence.
This dialogue from the Weekly Pulse WhatsApp group not only challenges the status quo but also calls for a proactive approach in reshaping societal norms to ensure justice and support for survivors of sexual violence.
