Leave no one behind, end VAW
Lazarus Sauti Violence against Women (VAW), a gross violation of human rights, is a barrier to the attainment of gender equality as well as the actualisation of social and economic endeavours as it erodes the survivor’s ability to participate in development efforts, says the Forum for African Women Educationalists – Zimbabwe Chapter (FAWEZI). The United Nations (1993), in the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women defines VAW as any act of gender-based violence that results or is likely to result in sexual, physical or psychological suffering to women. Facets of VAW In an interview with 263Chat, FAWEZI national coordinator Lydia Madyirapanze said VAW happens in both the private and public sphere and there are many forms of VAW. “There are many facets and/or forms of VAW, taking in sexual, emotional and physical abuse by intimate partners, family members or others,” she said, adding that VAW includes sexual harassment and abuse by authorities like police