16 Days of Activism: Centre for Disability Empowerment Calls for Action Against Gender-Based Violence
Providence Moyo
As the world marks the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the Centre for Disability Empowerment has added its voice to the call for action against this scourge, particularly against persons with disabilities.
In an exclusive interview with Community Podium, Killion Dube, representing the Centre for Disability Empowerment, noted that persons with disabilities, especially women and girls, face disproportionate levels of violence, abuse, and exploitation.
“Persons with disabilities are often marginalized, excluded, and silenced, making them more vulnerable to gender-based violence,” Dube said, adding that the intersection of disability and gender exacerbates the risk of violence, with women with disabilities facing a higher risk of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
Dube called on the government, organizations, and individuals to take action to prevent and respond to gender-based violence against persons with disabilities.
“We urge for inclusive and accessible services for survivors of gender-based violence, increased representation and participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes, strengthened laws and policies to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, and education and awareness-raising to challenge stigma and stereotypes surrounding disability and gender-based violence,” Dube advised.
The Centre for Disability Empowerment also emphasized the importance of empowering persons with disabilities to take leadership roles in the fight against gender-based violence.
As the world observes the 16 Days of Activism, Dube reiterated the Centre’s commitment to creating a world where all individuals, regardless of their disability status, can live free from violence and discrimination.
“Let us work together to break the silence surrounding gender-based violence against persons with disabilities, promote inclusive and accessible support services, advocate for disability policy implementation and legislative changes, and empower persons with disabilities to take leadership roles,” he said.
