UASA Media Release: 2 April 2025
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:
UASA is deeply concerned about the ongoing disturbing gender-based violence (GBV) and incidents where women and young girls are molested in schools and communities.
We appeal to the security cluster, courts, community members and leaders to take charge and protect vulnerable children and women in society. Women and children are not safe.
It is alarming to learn that young children are molested in places where they are supposed to be safe, like at school. How do we send our children to school when there is a good chance they get molested there? Parents are afraid of allowing their children outside to play freely because not only strangers pose a danger, but even family members have become a threat.
The perpetrators live with us and roam freely in our communities; we cannot allow that to be the norm. We must speak out, report the perpetrators and ensure that the law takes charge. We cannot allow unlawful acts to take over, making our children and women live in fear for their lives.
We cannot rely on observance days or incidents to happen before we act. The harsh reality is that children and women are abused and molested daily.
Leaders in communities and families should take active roles to protect children and women against GBV and abuse.
We urge community centres and non-government organisations (NGOs) to engage young people in community services and mentor and upskill them to do better in society. Our communities and society belong to us, and our responsibility is to maintain peace and order.
Let’s all unite to protect the vulnerable in our society. Change starts with us.
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.