December 09, 2008

The feminization of violence in Zimbabwe

"States in Transition Observatory" look at the Zimbabwe’s botched election and the subsequent violence, and how this has specifically affected women. They underscore the fact that in times of crisis and conflict, such as those still being witnessed in Zimbabwe, it is always the women and children who are most victimized.

The case of Zimbabwe shows how women suffer, both for perceived direct participation in the political process, but also by proxy, for their husbands’ or family members’ involvement. In Zimbabwe, as in other conflict areas, sexual violence continues to be a tool of war.

..."The primary focus of this paper is sexual abuse in the post election period in Zimbabwe and its impact on women’s lives. The paper includes personal testimonies and discussions of the impact of sexual abuse, the culture of impunity and the lack of institutional support. Having outlined different ideas about what motivates rapists in conflict situations, it discusses post-traumatic assistance needs and the social responses to rape. It highlights the need for both economic support and means to address psychological trauma for women who survive rape and further discusses some of the efforts made in this direction..."

This paper on the election and the effects on women is another relection of the desperate situation the country is now facing, with the current cholera epidemic.

The paper can be read on-line here,  or downloaded in a 'printer-friendly' format here