Gender Forum Discussion
“Creating DMZs – Everyone’s Responsibility”
The Book Café, Fife Ave Mall (upstairs)
Thursday 25 November, 2010 – 5.30-7pm
Speakers: Jona Gokova (Crisis Coalition), Netty Musanhu (Musasa Project), 3rd Speaker (TBC) and Chaired by Sally Dura
This year marks the 20th 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign, and with this important landmark, The Book Café Gender Forum takes cognizance of the struggles all around the world to fight all forms of violence. The 2010 campaign theme is Structures of Violence: Defining the Intersections of Militarism and Violence Against Women.
How is this relevant to present day Zimbabwe? It is important to note that Zimbabwe is not exempt from militarism, she is emerging from periods of gross human rights violations especially those that occurred in 2008 during the election campaign period as well as during the elections.
“To embrace militarism is to presume that everyone has enemies and that violence is an effective way to solve problems. To leave militaristic ways of thinking unchallenged is to leave certain forms of masculinities privileged, to leave global hierarchies of power firmly in place, to grant impunity to wartime perpetrators of violence against women.”
Recently there were spurts of violence during constitution outreach meetings and soon in 2011 Zimbabwe is expected to go through the electoral process again. This comes too soon for a nation that is trying to heal from recent wounds. How can men and women help create safe and tolerant communities let alone be safe whilst at it in a politically volatile situation?
The Book Café Gender Forum invites you to its one-year anniversary as well as engage in the discussion under the topic “Creating DMZs (demilitarised zones) – Everyone’s Responsibility.” Started in November, 2009 by Pamberi Trust an arts development organization based at The Book Café in Harare the forum is aimed at contributing to initiatives of advancing gender equality and promoting women’s rights in Zimbabwe.
The Gender Forum has successfully managed to attract attendance from a varied cross section of the Harare’s population. This is a monthly discussion, targeting human rights activists, members of civic society, women artists and members of the general public.
The discussion is FREE and all are welcome.