"Hear Us - Zimbabwean Women Affected by Political Violence Speak Out" Launches in Cape Town
ICTJ, in collaboration with Zimbabwe's Research and Advocacy Unit (RAU), launched the documentary "Hear Us - Zimbabwean Women Affected by Political Violence Speak Out" in Cape Town on Thursday, 23 July.
The film tells the story of four Zimbabwean women who were the targets of violence during the political unrest following the 2008 elections. Through their stories the women have voiced their demands for justice and accountability. Of the four women, two had their identities hidden from the camera because of their fear of retribution while another described her live with HIV, which she contracted after being dragged from her office and gang-raped.
Following the documentary screening, a panel of distinguished African human rights and feminist activists took the stage to speak about the film and answer audience questions. The panel was comprised of Anu Pillay, Gender Advisor to the Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission; Professor Amina Mama, Barbara Lee Distinguished Chair in Women's Leadership at Mills College; Abigail Kadaira, Zimbabwean Human Rights Activist; Muthoni Wanyeri, Executive Director of the Kenya Human Rights Commission; and Kudakwashe Chitsike from the Women's Project at the RAU.
Ms. Chitsike said the goal of the documentary was to allow Zimbabwean women to speak for themselves, rather than have others speak for them. "We want women's voices to be heard," she said.
"There is chaos in Zimbabwe, especially toward women," Abigail Kadaira, a victim of political violence herself, said. "We are saying ‘here we are, can you hear us, can you come to us."
Muthoni Wanyeri compared Zimbabwe's gender based violence to the post-election violence of Kenya, and remarked on its more organised nature. She noted how Zimbabwe youth militia's have been using sexual-based violence to incite political conformity through "causing terror and inciting fear".
She also commented that despite greater international knowledge of the extent of political violence against women there is insufficient attention to the socio-economic impact and trauma that conflict inflicts on women's lives.
Professor Amina Mama observed the importance of bringing together survivors of political violence as it provides a platform to empower women to speak out against future violence.
"What is happening in Zimbabwe is widespread," she said. "They are not alone in this. We all have to deal with this. The work that they are doing in speaking out is hugely important and brave."
For more information about "Hear Us - Zimbabwean Women Affected by Political Violence Speak Out," click here.
