Opinion
As Zimbabwe undertakes to carry out Gukurahundi hearings which were set for August 2024, it is crucial that the voices of women victims are at the centre and are deliberately given audience to be heard loud and clear during these proceedings. The Gukurahundi Community Engagement Outreach Programme, launched by President Mnangagwa in early July, presents a uniquely historic opportunity for victims to share their testimonies and seek closure from the trauma of that period and its aftermath. However, for this process to be truly meaningful, women’s voices must be prioritized and amplified. Understanding their experiences and the after-effects and trauma is central to the uncovering of lasting solutions.
Women were disproportionately affected by the Gukurahundi violence which caused displacement, and loss of loved ones generally, but brought targeted suffering to women and girls through sexual assaults as an exclusive weapon used against them and whose results (Pregnancies, psychological traumas, family and community stigma and ostracization) lived on far beyond the Unity Accord that eventually ended the chaos. Their experiences and perspectives are essential to understanding the root causes of the disturbances and finding lasting solutions. By being more inclusive and allowing women’s voices unhindered access to the process, the hearings can ensure a more comprehensive and inclusive reckoning with the past.
Male perspectives and narratives have often dominated any historical narratives and the retelling of Gukurahundi stories has not been any different, as discussions about Gukurahundi have often taken a mostly male-centred approach. This is largely because a lot of such platforms have been created, and controlled and benefitted men more than their female counterparts. Even resources for sharing such narratives have not favoured women. Women’s testimonies thus offer a critical counter-narrative, humanising the victims and emphasizing the devastating impact of violence on families and communities. Through their stories, we recognize the resilience and strength of women who faced unimaginable trauma.
As these hearings seek to give a victim-centred approach to resolving the past, they must go further to ensure such an approach is also gendered. A gendered, victim-centred approach prioritizes the needs, experiences, and perspectives of victims of crime, particularly those affected by gender-based violence. It recognizes that traditional responses to victimization often neglect gender dynamics. Gender plays a significant role in shaping victims’ experiences which are often influenced by social, cultural, and economic factors.
The traditional leaders who will be in charge of these hearings are mainly male unelected rural leaders who have ascended to power by cultural succession passed down through male lines. While some women have also risen to traditional leadership positions, the number is too insignificant and their powers are often undermined. As a result, this form of leadership tends to limit women’s full recognition and participation at public hearings. This means deliberate efforts would need to be made to ensure both the Chiefs and the participants take women victims’ contributions at these hearings seriously and without discrimination.
The importance of women’s testimonies cannot be overstated as it has to be noted that while the atrocities saw the killings, disappearance and fleeing of mainly male victims, it left mostly women to deal with the trauma of the aftermath by having to bury the dead, treat the wounded and traumatised, rebuild homesteads, take care of orphans and the elderly and provide for whole communities left in devastation. These victims had no form of counselling or trauma treatment and the time it has taken for the Government to take action on the issue has prolonged the healing period for these victims.
Women can thus provide a critical counter-narrative to the dominant male perspectives that have historically shaped our understanding of Gukurahundi. Their stories will also highlight the resilience and strength of women in the face of unimaginable trauma. Moreover, women’s participation in the hearings will help to break the silence surrounding sexual violence and other gender-based atrocities and how they present unique and deeper traumas often overlooked in the analysis of wars and crises. The process also presents an opportunity to challenge the stigma and shame that has prevented many women from speaking out about that period ensuring that reparations and support services address the specific needs of women victims.
While it is commendable that Zimbabwe’s female Attorney-General, Virginia Mabhiza, has expressed commitment to a victim-centred approach, it is crucial that this commitment translates into concrete actions that prioritize women’s voices. The training of traditional chiefs and their panels in facilitating discussions, managing sensitive testimonies, and maintaining confidentiality is a positive first step to ensuring the above. Nevertheless, more must be done to ensure that women feel safe and supported in sharing their stories. This means that women’s voices also inform the design and implementation processes of reparations and support services. Their specific needs—whether psychological, medical, or social—must be addressed. Prioritising women will ensure a victim-centred approach that acknowledges their unique struggles and also involves them in the proffered solutions.
A women-centered approach is also crucial considering the fact that having mainly male traditional Chiefs leading the process may deter a lot of women from participation, fearing to share their mostly painful and seemingly shameful experiences openly in a still very patriarchal society, for fear of societal backlash and ostracisation or stigmatisation. The power dynamics within the hearings must be carefully navigated to ensure that women feel safe and supported. In the past, women have been silenced by stigma and shame, hence deliberate steps to have them participate and share their experiences will challenge these barriers even when dealing with other atrocities to pave the way for healing and justice. Confidentiality and protection from retribution are essential. Only then can we fully confront the dark legacy of Gukurahundi and build a more equitable future.
On top of equipping the chiefs and their technical teams, there is a need to deliberately mobilise and encourage women, especially, to attend and participate fully and freely at the hearings. Mobilisation efforts need to be targeted and emphasise that women will be respected, and safe and that what they share is taken seriously and actioned upon.
As the hearings commence, we must remember that women’s voices are not just a nicety, but a necessity. Their testimonies will be a powerful catalyst for healing, reconciliation, and justice. Let us create a space where women can speak truth to power, without fear of retribution or judgment. Only then can we hope to confront the dark legacy of Gukurahundi and build a more just and equitable future for all Zimbabweans?
By Amakhosikazi Media Southern Africa
