Include Us - Zimbabwe Deaf people and Families.

Nzeve is committed to empowering parents to create strong support systems for Deaf boys and girls regarding every aspect of their well-being, including issues related to gender-based violence (GBV). Deaf children face significant challenges in accessing support systems, particularly concerning GBV. This is largely due to communication barriers between children and parents, as well as cultural norms that make it taboo for parents and children to discuss sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR). This silence leaves children vulnerable to abuse, as they may be unable to open up about their experiences.

Recognizing that we cannot talk about safeguarding without involving parents  because charity begins at home, and that safeguarding starts within the family. This June , Nzeve conducted a safeguarding session for 26 parents. This session focused on enhancing parental roles in addressing GBV-related issues. Key topics covered included identifying signs of GBV and understanding reporting mechanisms, which helped parents learn how to recognize the signs of GBV and the various referral pathways available for reporting incidents. The risks of STIs and HIV in cases of abuse were also discussed, highlighting the health implications of abuse. Another key factor that was discussed is the importance of open communication and bonding with children was emphasized, encouraging parents to foster open lines of communication and create an environment where children feel safe to express their concerns. Additionally, mental health support and strategies for preventing substance abuse among youth were addressed.

Empowering parents to recognize signs of change in their children and create safe spaces for them to speak up is a vital step towards preventing GBV and promoting a protective environment. During the session, one parent shared, "I never realized how important it is to talk openly with my child about these issues this session has helped me." Another parent remarked, "Learning about the signs of GBV has opened my eyes. I will be more vigilant and proactive in supporting my child."

This session reinforced the importance of parental involvement in safeguarding children from harm and highlighted the critical need for parents to report any violations of their children’s rights.