FIGHT AGAINST GBV EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY , SAYS PLAY IT FOWARD

By ANDREW MUKOMA
A Non profit organization, Play It Forward, in the Tourist Capital, Livingstone has observed that the fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV) requires concerted efforts by all stakeholders regardless of age and gender.
Project Officer- education, Lwanga Bwalya , has noted that the issue of GBV must place emphasis on ending it as it has a negative effect on the lives of survivors.
In an interview with the Daily Nation during the 16 days of gender activism football tournament held over the weekend and organized by Play It Forward and its partner On Call Africa, Mr Bwalya said that issues of GBV are of concern to society.
Mr Bwalya said that his organizations was engaging young ones in educating them on the importance of viewing each gender as an equal partner in development.
“We want to take that conversation in our homes and complement each other. We need to look at each other as equal partners in development without over looking any one.
Men have to stretch their hands and raise the women up and bring them in the conversation and create safe space for them,” he explained.
“During the tournament, we were emphasizing openness, fair play and also engaging the young people in making their own rules in relation to this year’s 16 days of gender activism,” he said.
“The examples we set for the younger generation shape the way they think about gender, respect and human rights. We have started the conversations about gender roles early on, and challenge the traditional features and characteristics assigned to men and women,” he explained.
“We are engaging the young ones and point out the stereotypes that children constantly encounter, whether in the media, on the street or at the school, and let them know that it’s OK to be different,” Mr Bwalya said.
And On Call Africa, Community Health Specialist Adhikharhi Chimbi said, every year, the 16 Days of Activism campaign calls for united, global action to end all forms of violence against women and girls.
Ms Chimbi noted that there were many forms of abuse and all of them could have serious physical and emotional effects, hence the need for citizens to engage in conversations about GBV.
“We need to create a safer environment for everyone by challenging everyone to reflect on their own behaviour and that is why we partnered with Play It Forward to organise this soccer tournament,” she said.