MUKURU COMMUNITY JUSTICE CENTRE 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM REPORT 2023

Mukuru Community Justice Centre held a community dialogue on 5th of December 2023, at Amusha hall as from 11am-1pm. The aim of the meeting was in line with the 16 Days of Activism initiative that is held annually that aims to address any forms of violence that is directed towards women. The dialogue was set to understand the level of violence that is in Mukuru and the impact it has in attaining zero cases of Women Violence.

The meeting attracted 40 participants from different CBOs and local NGOs, 90% youths and 10% local leaders.

Forms Violence in Mukuru

The meeting aimed to know different forms of violence that are happening in Mukuru, and if it has increased or reduced.

The participants gave their thoughts, and below are some of the violence that are happening in Mukuru;

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

The participants said that the cases of sexual and gender-based violence are on the rise, as many cases of rapes and defilements have been witnessed in different villages, with many of this is being connected to rise of cost of living.

Physical Violence

People being tortured, killed have been on the rise in the area, some associated with Police Abuse of Power and others associated with robbers. This cases have been normalized and people are living with them.

Economical Violence

This is related to the high cost of living, with many people not able to afford food in their houses. According to participants, many families have been forced to move to the country-side, escaping the high cost living being witnessed in the country.

Mental Violence

Many cases of mental issues and suicidal cases have been reported in Mukuru, and at least 11 cases of suicides have been documented in the area, with 7 of them being youths. This cases is connected with lack of youth friendly places where youths can get counselling.

What Next
in Regards to this Violence

The participants agreed on the below options to purse and see end of violence in Mukuru,

  1. Champion for youth friendly places in Mukuru- and counselling support network.
  2. Mobilize for empowerments programs to help curb high economic times.
  3. To raise concerns of cultural support on sexual and gender-based violence and to speak against SGBV.
  4. To put police into account on issues of police abuse of power and their roles on increase insecurity in the area.