Thembelihle Mhlanga
Binga Ward 20 Councilor Jealous Mumpande is calling for a shift in how the community tackles gender-based violence (GBV), urging that the fight should extend far beyond the 16 Days of Activism.
Speaking at a recent gathering, Mumpande emphasized that GBV requires year-round commitment, not just during the designated period of activism.
“Let us not limit our activism to just 16 days,” Mumpande said. “We need to promote respect and understanding in our relationships every single day. Couples, boyfriends, and girlfriends must learn how to resolve their differences peacefully.”
Mumpande also highlighted the importance of traditional African practices in conflict resolution, suggesting these cultural methods could play a key role in addressing GBV. “Our cultures have proper traditional ways of solving conflicts. We must revisit these methods and use them to create understanding within our homes,” he added.
Maria Munkuli, a local community leader, echoed this call, stressing the need for the extended family to engage in conflict resolution in a constructive, peace-building manner. “Conflict resolution should be a process of dialogue, not one that exacerbates tensions,” Munkuli said.
Donga resident Toonse Mudimba linked the rise in GBV to the weakening of family structures. “Without strong family ties, individuals feel isolated and frustrated, leading to violence,” he explained. Mudimba called for a collective effort from the community, urging that tackling GBV is not solely the responsibility of the government or NGOs.
As the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV ends, Mumpande, Munkuli, and Mudimba’s call for ongoing, year-round action serves as a reminder that addressing GBV requires continuous effort.
