Restless Development calls for a Dialogue

Today Restless Development called for a dialogue about gender and discrimination as well as sexual reproductive health. The event was held in Ushehwekunze. Various organizations supported the event such as the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Legal Foundation Resources, Zichire, National Aids Council Young People's Network, community leaders as well as church members.

The dialogue brought out some pressing issues such as the issue of teenagers who are engaging in sex work in Hopely at Anton shopping center, early child marriages in Ushehwekunze and Hopely, the engagement of young people in sexual activities without proper protection, how gender is worsening the issues of violence especially against the female counterparts and the resistance of the sex workers and the illegal bar owners to abide to the law.

In a statement concerning about gender based violence, a ZRP member constable Manyuke said "gender based violence is not only affecting female counterparts but also males. If any one faces gender based violence should report to the police so that the case will be dealt with without fear or favour". She also explain that cases of gender based violence are increasing hence the police force is working hard to suppress the rate of these cases through awareness campaigns which educates the people about the law. They are also engaging in community activities so that they can reach everyone in the communities.

Members of the community of Hopely  complained about the issue of teenagers who are engaging in sex work claiming that it is health hazardous to them since sometimes they do not use protection during sexual intercourse. They appealed to the police to take proper and immediate action before the situation went out of hand. In response, constable Manyuke said "the police is negotiating with other organizations in order to deal with the situation. Measures are being taken in place also to deal with the teenagers in sex work.

Constable Manyuke went on saying that" there is stiff resistance from some illegal bar owners, sex workers and some members of the community to the extent that they even attack the police officers with stones hence it becoming a bit difficult to deal with the situation. However, ZRP encouraged members of the community to work hand in gloove with the law enforcement agencies.

Over and above the organizations and the members of the community agreed to work together to tackle the prevailing situation at Antony shopping center and to reduce the rate of gender and domestic violence.

"Together we are strong, divided we fall"