In the past few months there seems to have been a drastic increase in media reports on gender-based violence with all manner of atrocities coming to light. We have heard reports of women being stabbed with kitchen knives, burnt with irons, and hacked with machetes.  It would seem that media coverage on GBV is on the rise. However, the media is not giving a comprehensive and gender-sensitive picture of GBV, but a sensationalized one. Pat Made of Genderlinks observed that most reporting on the issue is featured in the ‘Courts and Crime’ section of newspapers and that the issue of GBV is coming to the news agendas as events “and not as an issue that’s having a negative impact on the economic, social, and political fabric of our society.” She proceeded to say that the media “is not reporting it as a national issue, nor is it going further to put it into the context of the policy framework, and what needs to be done, in terms of the rights of women and girls. We don’t get that kind of coverage of reporting, which is more informed and helps us as citizens to be able to get a different kind of perception and conceptual way of dealing with the issue.”

Last year, Genderlinks, conducted a Gender and Media Progress Study for Zimbabwe to monitor how the different media in the country reported on and handled issues of gender. The study also included a detailed analysis of media coverage of gender-based violence in 2010, revealing that the proportion of stories on GBV were only 3% of total stories in the media in Zimbabwe, while the figures for the SADC region were not much better, at 4%. It will be interesting to see what the findings for this year’s study will reveal.

Kubatana subscribers have informed us of some fishy accounting on their bills, where ZESA is over stating the subtotal of a given unit charge multiplied by number of units. For example, on one customer’s bill, the first 50 units is charged at 0.02 cents per unit which equals $1.00. The bill however states $1.20. The next 250 units is charged at 0.11 cents per unit which equals $27.50 – the bill states $28.00.

Together, those two mis-multiplied figures equal 70 cents – not a lot of money, but taken across thousands of customers each month, this could really add up.

Another subscriber reported similar mis-charging on the part of ZESA, with subtotals not adding up to the unit consumption multiplied by consumption rate, and also with the consumption not being charged at the correct rate.

According to the tariff schedule of 1 September, unit charges for domestic metered customers are:

* First 50 kWh: $0.02 per kWh
* 51-300 kWh: $0.11 per kWh
* 301+ kWh: $0.15 per kWh

Be informed. Inspect your ZESA bill carefully, and double check that they are charging you correctly. Query your bill when necessary, and insist on regular meter readings.

Today’s Newsday reports the story of a 20 year old teacher, Fanuel Dube, who ‘proposed love’ to his fifteen year old pupil and impregnated her.

The reporter writes:

In his defence, Dube claimed that though he knew the girl was still doing primary level of education, he believed she was grown up due to her big frame and big breasts.

Judging from the sentence for what is statutory rape, Filabusi magistrate Shillah Nazombe, must have been sympathetic to the poor man’s plight. After all, it must take superhuman strength to resist the pert breasts and firm buttocks of an underage girl. The man was given a 20 month sentence, 6 months of which were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour, and the remaining 14 months were commuted to 490 hours of community service where no doubt there will be other mature looking underage girls.

Fanuel Dube’s case is not unique. Several studies and reports conducted by the Girl Child Network, USAID and other organisations observe that sexual exploitation of girls aged between 9 and 16 is rife in the education sector. The studies found that the perpetrators were most often young male teachers aged below thirty with less than five years of teaching experience.

‘Arepa ngachekwe! (Rapists must be castrated!)’

Hundreds of women marched from Harare Town House to the Gardens on Friday, chanting, demanding that various authorities put a stop to the sexual violence perpetrated against women and children.

During the proceedings at Harare Gardens a representative from the Family Support Trust noted that girls were being pressured into not reporting by their women family members. She related the story of a little girl who was raped by her father. She reported the incident to her mother and was taken to a police station to file charges. Unfortunately, the girl’s tete’s (paternal aunts) pressured the girl to recant her story, saying that they would have no one to provide for them, and that it was not part of Zimbabwean culture. The girl recanted her story and still lives with her father.

In another message, a ZINATHA representative stated that members of ZINATHA did not condone sexual violence against women and children, and that this was in fact contrary to Zimbabwean traditions and culture. He also demanded that those traditional healers who prescribed forced sex with children also be prosecuted along with the perpetrator.

Director of Katstwe Sistahood, Talent Jumo noted the alarming rise in rape cases over the past year. She said that it was up to women to protect themselves, their children and each other from sexual predators. Jumo also urged women to report the incidents as soon as they occurred.

We asked several women what they hoped the march would achieve. Here are some of their responses:

Ini ndinofunga kuti march iyi ichachinja unhu wevanhu muno muZimbabwe. Ivo vanoda kurepa, kana vanorepa vakadzi vavo, vachivamanikidza kurara navo ivo vasingade. Kunyanaya kuvarume uku vachatitarisawao sevanhu, hatisi mhuka kana kuti chii. Takangofanana navo. (I hope this march will help to change to attitudes of men who go out and rape, or men who force their wives into having sex. I hope men will begin to see women as people, we are not just animals that they can use for sex.) Listen

Ita zvhinu zvinhu zvino enderana nemunwe wako waunenge uchidanana naye. Kana ndichinzwa kudawo ini zvinongo nakidzawo, asi ukaita zvekundi manikida, hapana zvinondi nakidza. Ava vano repa vana vadiki: tsvaka musikana. Vakazara kumabhwa varikutsvaka vanovanyenga asi havaendeko, worepa mwana mudiki. Urikudestroya life yemwana iyeye. Ngavaite kufunga kuti dai ndirini, kana mwana wangu ndinonzwa sei? ((To men) you must aim to please you partner. If she also wants to have sex then everything is fine and you will both enjoy it, but if you force her, there’s nothing for her to enjoy As for you men who rape children, there are lots of women looking for men at bars, but you don’t want that you want to rape young children. You are destroying their lives. You must ask your selves how you would feel if it was you or your child that was being raped.) Listen

Kazhinji kacho, nyaya iyi irikuti shungurudza, vana vari kurepwa vari vana vadiki. Kouya kumapurisa, vanoda chioko muhomwe, kuzvipatara, varikuti shaudha. Ma PEP (Post exposure prophylaxis) anodawo chioko muhomwe iwe usina. Saka zvinhu zviri kuti shungurudza. (This is causing us unrest. Children are being raped while they are still very young. When you got to the police they want a bribe, at the hospitals they shout at you (for being raped). Post exposure prohylaxis is only available when you bribe someone, and we have no money. These are the things we are marching about.) Listen

Work in and for Zimbabwe. Help grow our nation. Check out the vacancies below. If you’d like to receive this sort of information, as well as civic and human rights updates, by email each week drop us a note saying “subscribe” to info [at] kubatana [dot] net

Please note that the job vacancies we carry are related to the NGO and civil society sectors only.

Marketing Officer: Paruware Trust

Paruware Trust is a social enterprise committed to cultivating young entrepreneurial leaders with the skills, experience and moral imagination needed to build sustainable enterprises that meet the challenging demands of Zimbabwe and Africa. We are looking to hire a marketing officer to be based in Harare and ready to start work in January 2012.

Skills required:
-Open minded, self-reliant and excited about being part of an innovative social enterprise
-Demonstrated interested in entrepreneurship and improving the lives of young people
-Great communication and writing skills
-Willingness to learn new things
-Proven experience in selling services to companies and individuals
-Design skills and computer literate

Additional requirements:
-First degree in a related discipline
-At least 2 years’ experience gained formally or informally in marketing Candidates should be able self-reliant and able to thrive in a start-up company.

To apply send a cover letter clearly explaining how you match the skills required, including salary expectations and a CV to Paruware [at] yahoo [dot] co [dot] uk

Only short listed candidates will be contacted. For more information on Paruware Trust, please visit www.paruwaretrust.webs.com

Communications Officer: local NGO
Deadline: 1 December 2011

Reports to: Country Director for Zimbabwe

Duties and Responsibilities:
* Contributing to the development and implementation of a work plan that will successfully promote the organisation’s development and capacity building initiatives.
* Coordination, editing and production of the organisation’s bi annual newsletter, IEC material (includes information pamphlets, flyers, booklets, training manuals) and other updates meant to promote the organisation’s communication and advocacy initiatives.
* Editing and production of the organisation’s annual report.
* Events management (includes finding sponsors for specific events, coordination of partner participation in relevant events, coordination of exhibitions (eg displays at EXPOs), compilation of speeches etc).
* Hosting of the organisation’s annual general meeting (AGM).
* Media relations management. This includes hosting media editors’ breakfast seminars, media workshops, media tours etc.
* Managing the organisation’s website and proactively seeking new resources for featuring the organisation’s work.

Qualifications and Experience:
* University Degree in Communications or related fields.
* At least 2 years work experience in communications or advocacy related communication.
* Experience in editing and proof reading corporate communication documents for public dissemination.
* Skilled and confident use of such office applications as Ms Word, Excel, Power Point, email etc. Familiarity with relevant information technology is important.

Required competencies:
* Good written and oral communication skills at all levels.
* Demonstrated ability to work effectively with stakeholders from various institutions and communities.
* Ability to maintain, nurture and develop existing and new media contacts.
* Proactive approach to meeting deadlines and delivering results with limited supervision.

The remuneration package will be disclosed to short listed candidates.

To apply, submit a CV with a motivation letter to zwcommsjob [at] gmail [dot] com

NB: While we value all applicants, we regret that we can only respond to short listed candidates.

Protection Officer: Local faith based organisation
Deadline: 2 December 2011 (Close of business)

A local faith based organization, based in Gweru, is looking for a qualified individual for the position of Protection Officer that has arisen recently.

Reporting to the Coordinator, the Protection Officer will be expected to:

-Support specific, targeted legal assistance initiatives, as requested by local and community counterparts and the development of conflict-sensitive dispute resolution, etc
-Provide relevant training and capacity-building for community-based animators/sustained dialogue initiators and community leaders
-Initiate mobile community legal assistance clinics in such a way that these mobile legal clinics are sustained and sustainable
-Build the capacities of communities to engage in dispute resolution without facilitation from third parties
-Develop strategic partnerships and sound working relations with local and national partners including local churches, government and civil society in the area of peace and development
-Support the mainstreaming of gender into community legal assistance programmes and engage women in becoming leaders in peace and development processes
-Incorporate other components such as Livelihoods, Psychosocial Support, and Conflict Resolution in order to provide holistic support to internally displaced persons and returnees
-Provide strategic analyses, regular situation updates and recommendations for Caritas Zimbabwe programme management and identify areas for Caritas Zimbabwe Directorate/UNHCR support, so that the Caritas Zimbabwe/UNHCR system can best assist local and national initiatives
-Prepare reports and briefings as needed (weekly updates and bi-weekly situational reports, monthly reports, donor reports), describing observations and assessments about effectiveness and quality control
-Perform other relevant tasks as assigned by the Diocesan Management

The person must:
-Be in possession of a Degree from a recognised tertiary institution in Psychology, Sociology, Conflict Resolution and Peace Building or any other related area of study
-Have at least 2 years practical field experience in similar work preferably in a faith based organisation
-Demonstrate excellent communication skills both written and spoken in English, and the vernacular languages
-Be able to interact with people of diverse backgrounds
-Be a committed team player
-Be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines
-Be in possession of a clean Class 4 drivers licence with at least 2 years driving experience of an off-road 4X4 vehicle
-Be willing to spend considerable time in rural areas

Knowledge of, and familiarity with the structures, values and principles of the Catholic Church in Zimbabwe will be a distinct advantage

Female candidates are urged to apply.

Interested candidates should submit applications by email to The Coordinator at vacanciesgweru [at] gmail [dot] com or by hand to Caritas Gweru Cathedral Hall, corner 7th Street and Lobengula Avenue Gweru.  The application letter should contain a one-page motivation letter indicating date of availability and expected remuneration and detailed curriculum vitae with contactable referees. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Programme Specialist, Media Freedom Monitoring and Research: MISA
Deadline: 2 December 2011

Based in Windhoek, Namibia.

S/he will take the lead in the implementation of its flagship SADC Journalists Under Fire campaign, the African Media Barometer research project and overall support to journalists in southern Africa.

Requirements:
-Master’s degree in media studies, humanities and social sciences, political science and administrative studies or related field;
-Experience in media freedom, freedom of expression and media development issues; Knowledge of the Southern African region; Minimum of five years experience in writing, editing and producing publications of a journalistic nature;
-Writing, editing and proofreading skills;
-Ability to use a smart combination of traditional mass media and new digital media to spearhead communications strategies for MISA campaigns; Information technologies and website skills.

Salary: A competitive remuneration package commensurate with skills and experience will be offered.

To apply, submit a CV, five-page sample of your writing, contact of your referees and motivation letter to bramwell [at] misa [dot] org or fax to: +264 61-248016

Enquiries: Tel: +264 61-232975

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

For more about the Media Institute of Southern Africa, refer to www.misa.org

Source: NGO Pulse Portal

Four positions: Medecins Sans Frontieres Belgium Mission Zimbabwe
Deadline: 2 December 2011

1. Waste Keeper/General Hand OPD
Location: Murambinda
Immediate supervisor: Decentralization Nurse Supervisor – Murambinda
Type of contract: Determined contract with a trial period of 3 months

General objectives of the post
-Ensure proper waste management in Murambinda Mission Hospital, including cytotoxic waste
-General Hand activities in TB-clinic, nursing activities and organizing a proper patient flow and cough triage in the OI/OPD consultations

General attitude
-Keep team spirit while working
-Be flexible in terms of specific work task when it is requested by your Supervisor
-A pro-active attitude towards work related problems
-Mature and high demonstration of MSF-B core ethics and work values
-High respect for cultural diversity and professionalism
-Positive and warm personality

Qualifications and requirements
-Diploma in Primary Health Care, or equivalent Certificate
-Minimum of 2 years’ experience in hospital waste management and general hand functions
-Excellent human/patient relation skills
-Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with NGO with the same profile
-Fluent in English and Shona both oral and written

2. Polyvalent Data Team Leader
Location: Murambinda
Immediate supervisor: Monitoring and Evaluation Supervisor – Murambinda
Type of contract: Determined contract with a trial period of 3 months

General objective of the post
-Ensure proper data collection in MMH, data collection for operational research, data encoding for pharmacy and introduction of e-register in clinics

General attitude
-Keep team spirit while working
-Be flexible in terms of specific work task when it is requested by your Supervisor
-A pro-active attitude towards work related problems
-Mature and high demonstration of MSF-B core ethics and work values
-High respect for cultural diversity and professionalism
-Positive and warm personality

Qualifications and requirements
-Degree in Computer Management/Information Technology
-Minimum of 4 years’ experience in health/hospital data management functions
-Minimum of 3 years’ experience in operational research and data processing
-Minimum of 3 years’ experience in supervising research team and data analysis and interpretation
-Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with NGO with the same profile
-Fluent in English and Shona both oral and written

3. Polyvalent Data Encoder
Location: Murambinda
Immediate supervisor: Data Team Leader – Murambinda
Type of contract: Determined contract with a trial period of 3 months

General objectives of the post
-Ensure proper data collection in MMH, data collection for operational research, data encoding for pharmacy and introduction of e-register in clinics

General attitude
-Keep team spirit while working
-Be flexible in terms of specific work task when it is requested by your Supervisor
-A pro-active attitude towards work related problems
-Mature and high demonstration of MSF-B core ethics and work values
-High respect for cultural diversity and professionalism
-Positive and warm personality

Qualifications and requirements
-Degree on Computer Management/Information Technology
-Minimum of 4 years’ experience in health/hospital data management functions
-Minimum of 2 years’ experience in operational research and data processing
-Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with NGO with the same profile
-Fluent in English and Shona both oral and written

4. Medical Doctor HIV Care & Treatment
Location: Different Clinics in Buhera, Gutu and Chikomba districts
Immediate Supervisor: HIV Coordinator/Field Co-ordinator
Type of contract: Determined contract with a trial period of 3 months

General objective of the post
To ensure quality of HIV treatment and care in the OI-sites supported by MSF in Buhera district.

General attitude
-Keep team spirit while working
-Be flexible in term of you specific task when it is required by your Supervisor
-A pro-active attitude towards work related problems
-Mature and high demonstration of MSF-B core ethics and work values
-High respect for cultural diversity and professionalism
-Positive and warm personality

Qualification requirements
-Degree in Doctor of Medicine with valid practicing certificate
-Minimum of 2 years’ experience in HIV/OI programs and management
-Minimum of 2 years’ experience in coaching and mentoring functions
-Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with NGO with the same profile
-Fluent in English and Shona both oral and written

Interested applicants should send their updated Curriculum Vitae together with motivation letter to msfocb-harare [at] Brussels [dot] msf [dot] org or MSF-B Offices, 9 Bantry Road, Alexandra Park, Harare.

Only short listed applicants will be notified for interview.

Chief Executive Officer: Computer Aid International
Deadline: 6 December 2011

Computer Aid International exists to tackle the causes and effects of poverty through practical ICT solutions. It works with not-for-profit organisations in developing countries to provide equipment and support where it is most needed by poor communities in areas such as agriculture, health and education.

Computer Aid International is the world’s largest and most experienced provider of high-quality, professionally refurbished PCs to developing countries and works with partners to deliver training and technical support to end-recipients.

Computer Aid International seeks to appoint a Chief Executive Officer at Computer Aid, based in London, with regular travel to its office in Nairobi and partners overseas.

S/he will be an entrepreneurial and strategic leader to take the organisation forward and build on its successes.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the organisation in making a positive contribution to the provision of information and communication technologies in international development.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate experience of fundraising and income generation in a charity or social enterprise, an understanding of excellent customer service along with an understanding of the use of ICTs in a development context.

Salary: £52 000 – £55 000 per annum, plus a 3% contributory pension.

To apply, submit an email to sonia [at] computeraid [dot] org, with CEO in the subject line, for an electronic application pack.

Interviews will be held on Wednesday, 14 December 2011.

For more about Computer Aid International, refer to www.computeraid.org

Source: NGO Pulse Portal

Governance Specialist: The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace Zimbabwe (CCJPZ)
Deadline: 11 December 2011

Based in Hwange, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe Ten-month placement (with the possibility of renewal)

Please note that for this placement we are only able to consider applicants who are fluent in Tonga, Ndebele, Nambya and/or Shona.

The Progressio Development Worker (DW) will work as a Governance Specialist with the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace in Zimbabwe (CCJP). S/he will strengthen the national and diocesan CCJP in promoting civic education and facilitating the engagement of member of the Catholic Church in promoting accountable governance at the local and national level. The DW will also facilitate the design and implementation of trainings for church leaders, to enable them to carry out similar trainings and lead dialogue on governance issues at the diocesan and parish levels.

The successful candidate should have a Master degree level qualification in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Public Administration, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or related fields

A minimum of three years’ experience of advocacy work as well as relevant work experience in national policy reform issues are essential, as are previous experience working in, and with, NGOs/faith based organisations in an organisational development capacity; developing and delivering training materials and group sessions/workshops on the themes of this placement, and working with the Catholic Social Teachings.

You should have a sound understanding of the Catholic Church structures and its Social Teachings; the fundamentals of good governance and human rights as development issues; capacity building techniques and methods, with the ability to share skills/mentor staff, and an understanding of gender implications in programme design and management

Maturity, sound political judgement, negotiation and mediation skills, and the ability to work and act under pressure and with discretion in a politically sensitive and rapidly evolving environment; effective interpersonal, communication and networking skills, and an ability to promote good working relationships; excellent research and analytical skills; excellent project management, self-organising and prioritising skills, and the ability to explore potential donors for governance-related work and to support fundraising efforts are also key.

You also need to have initiative and proactivity; excellent command of both spoken and written English; a preparedness to work and engage with people from different Christian denominations with a variety of theological backgrounds and understandings, and demonstrable commitment towards the aims and objectives of CCJPZ.

It is essential that you complete the application form in full, as very specific information is required and will be used to decide whether or not you will be short-listed for an interview. Please note that CVs/resumes will not be accepted. For further information and an application form visit: www.progressio.org.uk/jobs

Closing date: 11 December 2011
Interviews: Week of 19 December 2011

Please return the completed application form to: Recruitment [at] progressio [dot] org [dot] uk

Receptionist: European Union
Deadline: 13 December 2011 (1400 hours)

The Delegation of the European Union to Zimbabwe seeks to employ a Receptionist (Group IV) for the Administrative Section of the Delegation. The post is based at the delegation offices in Harare. The incumbent will report to the Head of Administration.

Job content
-Operating the main switchboard and routing incoming telephone calls
-Access control to the office building and attending to visitors
-Registering incoming mail
-Managing vehicle requests and the schedule of the drivers of the Delegation
-Management of meeting rooms
-Assisting the Head of Administration in any other administrative tasks when required

Formal education
-The candidate must possess a certificate of completion of five O-Levels including English
-Advanced level secondary education will be considered an asset
-Post-secondary education in secretarial and/or office management
-A minimum of four years continuous relevant experience

Attributes
-Excellent English: reading, writing and speaking. Knowledge of French and other official languages of the European Union Member Sates will be considered an asset.
-Proven extensive user experience with MS Office package or similar as well as with Internet based services
-Interest in current affairs and basic knowledge of the European Union and its institutions are required
-The candidate should have the flexibility to adapt to various administrative tasks

Duration
Indefinite contract.

Remuneration
According to the salary scales of the European Union and relevant experience.

Application
Interested applicants should send their applications to the attention of the Head of Administration
Delegation of the European Union to Zimbabwe
1 Norfolk Road or P.O. Box MP620
Mt Pleasant, Harare,
Zimbabwe

Applications should contain the following: (1) A letter of motivation; (2) Curriculum Vitae; (3) Supporting documents providing proof of the required education background and professional experience; (4) Three letters of reference. The closed envelope containing all supporting documents should clearly mention “Vacancy Receptionist – Administration Section”. Candidates who have not submitted the required supporting documents will not be considered.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

In picture: Maxx Moses with local artist Enock aka “Just Kause” in Makokoba, Bulawayo on Monday.

Bulawayo, November 29, 2011: Graffiti artist, Maxx Moses, arrived in Bulawayo on Sunday as part of a U.S. Embassy program to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS through street art.  Moses, who calls himself a “concrete alchemist,” will spend a week in Zimbabwe’s second largest city working with local artists to create two murals on the sides of major buildings.

“I am excited to be here. Our job as artists is to make people think deeper, feel deeper,” says New York-based Moses, who goes by the tag Pose2.  Moses’ artwork has been described by renowned art critic Alexander Salazar as promoting “an environment of longevity, growth, wholeness, and spiritual well-being.” Moses fuses ‘wild style’ and fine art in his work.  He is a well-known innovator in the graffiti and street art industry in the United States, whose work suits virtually any surface, flat or 3D, of any size.

The visiting artist and his team of local artists begins spray-painting the walls of Madlodlo Bar in Makokoba and part of the exterior of the National Gallery in Bulawayo today. The murals will be unveiled at a ceremony on December 1st at 2:30 pm featuring Ambassador Charles Ray, Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Amen Mpofu, and City Council officials.  The sites will also host mobile testing units for the public.

“Worldwide, AIDS activists are focused on creating an AIDS-free generation. In order to do this, we need to use every possible tool to get prevention messages across to young and old alike. Maxx’s work is the perfect medium to do this – it’s innovative, engaging, and certainly eye-catching,” says Michael Brooke, Public Diplomacy Officer at the U.S. Embassy.

Since 2000, the United States government has invested over $245 million in Zimbabwe’s fight against HIV/AIDS.  In 2012, the U.S. will contribute an estimated $60 million to the national HIV/AIDS response in Zimbabwe through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), including support for treatment of 80,000 people and interventions to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV for approximately 40,000 women living with HIV/AIDS.

Issued by the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section.