THE CULTURAL CENTER IN COLLABORATION WITH ORGANIZATIONS IN ZIMBABWE COMMEMORATES THE 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER BASED VIOLENCE AT AN INTERFAITH SEMINAR

28 November 2024 The Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Zimbabwe has this Thursday (28 November 2024), collaborated with Fatima Zahra Women’s Organization on the commemoration of 16 days of activism against gender based violence in Zimbabwe at an Interfaith seminar that took place in Hatifled, Harare with the theme “unite to end violence against women and girls”.

The auspicious event drew special attendance of influential delegations from various institutions that is to mention the Cultural Counselor of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mr. Hamid Bakhtiyar, The spouse of the Ambassador of the Embassy of the State of Palestine Mrs Almassri , the Head of the United Nations Information Centre Mrs Tafadzwa Mwale, Father Guide from Catholic University in Zimbabwe, Reverend T. Zhou from the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, the National Director of Ahlulbayt Islamic Guidance Council, Mr. Abdullah Makwinja, the Director of the Supreme Muslim Affairs of Zimbabwe Mr. Balakaz as well as the Director of Fatima Zahra Women’s Organization.

The opening ceremony remarks from the coordinator of Fatima Zahra Women’s Organization Ms Rahma Tsitsi Mabveni illuminated the uniqueness of the event as the theme and the call for championing women’s rights in the 16 days of gender based violence drew special guest who in-turn are working tirelessly to support and protect women from such social crimes. Before the first speak, the event was blessed with the Holy Quran recitation from a youth advocate Abu Turab Bissani who warmed up the event while the first speaker, the Cultural Counsellor of the Islamic Republic of Iran took the podium.

In his opening remarks, the Cultural Counsellor mentioned a very powerful statement of the relationship between culture, identity, and faith is complex and multifaceted, particularly for Muslim women living in a world where Western cultural values increasingly dominate the global landscape. However, he went on to stress out that as a result, Muslim women often find themselves navigating multiple, and sometimes competing, identities. On one hand, they are expected to conform to traditional Islamic values and cultural norms. While they are often pressured to assimilate into Western cultural values and societal expectations.

Mr. Hamid Bakhtiyar, noted that the community that we are living in has to awaken and follow the Holy Quran as it places a strong emphasis on women's social justice, financial freedom, and education. And he encouraged all women to refuse the pressure of live up to Western ideals of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. As a result, it will cause a great loss on their cultural heritage and disconnect from their Islamic principles. Muslim women are being compelled to decide between wanting to blend in with Western culture and their beliefs.

However, the spouse of the Ambassador of the Embassy of the State of Palestine Mrs Almassri explained the current realities women in Palestine are facing, and not only women but children and man. She expressed a sorrowful grief over the exacerbating condition in Palestine and how people are dying due famine and torture from the Zionist regime. Nonetheless, Mrs Almassri also mentioned that the world has witnessed first hand hypocrisy of many countries and international institutions for human rights who claim to support women's rights. Their silence in the face of oppressive actions is deafening, making life, health, and quality of living challenging for women in different countries. The war crimes in Palestine are happening while they remain silent. These activists are not only silent but also complicit in these crimes, which is a gross violation of human rights. Their inaction is a betrayal of the trust placed in them to protect and promote human rights.

Father Guide, from the Catholic University in Zimbabwe, on a christian perspective we must unite in commemorating the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, as we are reminded of the profound importance of solidarity and collective action in the pursuit of justice and human dignity. As a Christian theologian, I am drawn to the biblical imperative to "love thy neighbor as thyself" (Mark 12:31), which underscores the fundamental interconnections of human experience. In this spirit, we come together to acknowledge the pervasive scourge of gender-based violence, to support survivors, and to challenge the systems and structures that perpetuate this injustice.

And yet, as we point to the injustices perpetrated by others, we must also take a moment to reflect on our own actions and complicity. We must ask ourselves: How have I contributed to a culture of violence and oppression? What biases and assumptions do I hold that perpetuate harm against others? How can I use my own privilege and power to amplify the voices and struggles of those who are marginalized and oppressed? Only through this kind of introspection and self-reflection can we hope to build a more just and equitable world, where all people can live free from violence and fear.

The interfaith seminar on 16 Days of Gender-Based Violence brought together scholars and activists from Islamic and Christian traditions to explore the root causes of this pervasive issue. From an Islamic perspective, participants emphasized the importance of upholding the Quranic values of justice, compassion, and equality. They highlighted the need for Muslim communities to reclaim and reinterpret Islamic teachings that have been distorted to justify violence against women. Christian participants, meanwhile, drew on biblical teachings that affirm the inherent dignity and worth of all individuals. Together, participants called for greater collaboration and solidarity across faith communities to prevent GBV. They also emphasized the need for faith leaders to speak out against GBV and promote values of mutual respect and empathy.

The seminar concluded with a series of recommendations for faith communities, policymakers, and civil society organizations. Participants urged faith leaders to develop contextualized responses to GBV that draw on the resources of their respective traditions. They also called for increased investment in education and awareness-raising initiatives that challenge patriarchal norms and promote healthy relationships. Furthermore, participants emphasized the need for policymakers to strengthen laws and policies that protect women and girls from violence. They also urged civil society organizations to support survivor-centered initiatives that provide holistic care and support to survivors of GBV. At last, Father Guide as one of the main speakers affirmed that ending GBV requires a collective effort that engages all sectors of society.

As the seminar came to a close, participants reflected on the power of interfaith collaboration and dialogue in addressing the complex issue of GBV. They acknowledged that faith communities have a critical role to play in preventing GBV and promoting values of justice, compassion, and equality. By working together across faith traditions, participants expressed hope that it is possible to create a world where all individuals can live free from violence and fear. The seminar concluded with a renewed sense of commitment and solidarity among participants, who pledged to continue working together to address the scourge of GBV. This collective effort will require sustained commitment and collaboration.