Effects of the calls for gender equality and an end to gender-based violence: a case of the Shona of Zimbabwe’s Masvingo urban

Abstract

Gender equality, also known as sex equality or sexual equality, is the goal of the equality of the genders. Equality is the state of being equal in every respect. According to the United Nations Assembly, the fundamental principle governing human relationships is oneness of humankind, that is, the belief that all human beings are equal and have equal capabilities. The equality of women and men is a basic requirement derived from this principle. It is widely believed that equality is in actual fact a right of every individual. For quite some time now various organisations have initiated movements advocating for this equality between men and women in the name of equal rights. They have also called for an end to gender-based violence. Gender-based violence, according to United Nations General Assembly, is any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering to people including threats of such acts like coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life. The movements have resulted in anti-discrimination laws and almost every government has these anti-discrimination laws. The paper assesses the extent to which these movements have gone in enforcing the laws amongst the Shona of Zimbabwe. In other words it focuses on establishing whether they are doing enough, too little or too much? Key terms: gender equality, gender-based violence, gender discrimination