The ManicaPost
Dr Mazvita Machinga —
IT all begins with me, with you and with us. Peaceful living in the home is essential for sound mental health. This is true when it comes to eliminating gender based violence (GBV). Play your part and be part of the solution.
From November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day, countries and communities around the world commemorate 16 Days of Activism against Gender- Based Violence.
All this is done in an effort to end violence against women and girls around the world. This commemoration is an organised strategy by individuals and organisations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
Gender based violence is undoubtedly one of the most common forms of violence in the world. It occurs in all our communities, within the home or in the wider society and it excessively affects women and girls.
GBV includes physical violence, emotional violence, sexual violence and economic violence. GBV has devastating consequences, not only for victims, but also for society as a whole.
It negatively affects individuals’ general well-being and prevents those affected to fully participate in society. If you are a church, a school, a community and an organisation what have you done to be part of this?
As we put out heads together on this important issue, we also need to know that there are some men too who encounter domestic violence and there is need to eliminate violence against men too.
This article is meant to sensitise readers on the cost of gender based violence on mental health and how you can be part of countering gender based violence, discrimination and negative gender stereotypes.
As a psychotherapist, I have encountered hundreds of individual who have been negatively impacted by domestic violence. I have seen that the negative effects range from immediate to long-term multiple physical, sexual and mental consequences for women, men and girls, including death.
Violence not only has negative consequences for women but also their families, the community and the country at large. During my psychotherapy and counseling sessions, I have seen and heard the dreadful cost of gender based violence. People have attempted and completed suicide as a result of GBV. This is really sad.
Cost of Gender Based Violence
Reproductive: Unintended pregnancies, induced abortions, increased risk of miscarriage
Sexual: Gynaecological problems, STI’s, HIV.
Mental: Increased risk of suicide, substance abuse, twice as likely to suffer depression and alcohol abuse, emotionally withdrawn, isolation,
Physical: Suffer substantial injury, permanent disability. Headaches, back pain, abdominal pain, fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal disorders, limited mobility and poor overall health.
Breakdown of families: Divorce, street children and family conflicts.
What needs to be done to counter Gender Based Violence?
a) Prevention should start early in life, by educating and working with young boys and girls promoting respectful relationships and gender equality. Start in your home, teach children to respect other people. Start at your school and church, engage students through discussions.
- b) Working with youth is a “best bet” for faster, sustained progress on preventing and eradicating gender-based violence since they will be the makers of loving homes and families. Instil values and norms around gender equality at this stage
c) Deliberately work with men and boys on this issue
- d) Seek marriage and couple counseling for assistance
- e) Provide women with access to legal representation when it is needed
- f) End forced early marriage and premature pregnancy
- g) Increase awareness of the scope of the problem and its impact through community outreach For this to be successful there is need for a more coordinated approach to tackle GBV.
No one agency can do this alone. For organising trainings in GBV, professional counselling and psychotherapy feel free to contact me, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Development and other relevant organisations in your area. Remember there is something you can do and there is help?
Dr Mazvita Machinga Ph.D. is a trained and qualified Psychotherapist, Marriage Counselor and Marriage Officer for help. Email questions on marriage [email protected], call/ sms 0771 754 519 / 0778 838410
