#Me too movement gains momentum in Zimbabwe.

Rape is one of the worst forms of torture. Rape victims often keep quiet and languish in self pity for fear of being judged for what rape perpetrators would have done to them. In a conservative society such as Zimbabwe, womenoften shy away from telling the truth about having been raped because of societal views. Issues such as improper dressing have often been cited as the cause of rape.

The #me too movement started off in Hollywood with some female actors coming out in the open about being sexually abused by directors and producers. The scandal sucked in renowned media powerhouse Harvey Weinsten. The movement seems to have gained momentum locally with women alleging rape by certain top officials and clergymen.

In a recent development several women have been speaking out against PhD ministries founder Prophet Walter Magaya. In 2017 one Donhodzo Mandaza layed rape charges against the man of cloth. This year, several one including political figures and congregants of his church have been coming out in the open. Even Bev, the adult perfomer recently caused furore when she raised issues of sexual harrasment in a Facebook live interaction.

Rape victims are encouraged to speak out. Not only is there danger to one’s health, including infection of HIV and Aids but the emotional fall out at times is fatal. Most women have joined the bandwagon at workplaces, in hospitals, in rural communities and urban areas, to speak out against rape.