Gender activists attack Mugabe
in [Physics]
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From: as on 13 Aug 2010 05:00 Gender activists attack Mugabe http://www.thestandard.co.zw Wednesday, 11 August 2010 15:26 PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe's recent sentiments about polygamy have ruffled feathers among women's rights groups who have described them as unfortunate especially in light of the ongoing constitution-making process. Mugabe last month urged members of the Johanne Marange Apostolic sect to push for a constitution that denounces homosexuality. But he said he had no problems with those who practiced polygamy because it was approved of in the bible. Last week, women rights activists said Mugabe's sentiments were outdated and dangerous. They added that the age of enlightenment encourages mutual respect between men and women and thus should encourage monogamy instead. "It is amazing that in this day and age of emancipating women, we have other people calling for the infringement on women's rights," one activist said. "Marriage is about rights and although we respect that the issue of polygamy goes down to choice; we are also aware that women want exclusive relationships with men and very few want to share their men with other women." The activists said since it encouraged multiple sexual partners, polygamy was also likely to worsen the spread of HIV and Aids. They said the issue of many wives would also contribute to psychological problems for women and children, adding that it also usually results in messy relations when it comes to family property. Some participants on the Mai Chisamba show screened on ZTV last week said polygamy belonged to the past where women were socialised to think that they can only succeed in life by leaning on a man. They also attributed it to lack of education. Activists said instead of agitating for the infringement of women's rights through polygamy, politicians should preach tolerance. "We should not be wasting our time and energy discussing what two people, men or women, agree to do behind closed doors," Luta Shaba, the executive director of the Women's Trust said. "Instead, we should be looking at how rapists should be sentenced and also how men who kill their wives should be dealt with." BY OUR STAFF
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