Kuda Kunze
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
After personally experiencing Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), one woman decided to rise above the challenges and bring hope to other women who go through this societal ill.
While challenges could have impacted her negatively, Kuda Kunze decided to rise above the ashes.
She was born and raised in Bulawayo and was always outspoken and disliked feeling confined or silenced.
Kuda began writing at the age of 11, crafting short stories and participating in the Quiz Club from Grades 5 to 7.
“In high school, I was chosen as the president of the Girl Child Network, a role that influenced my current career path,” she said, in a wide ranging interview with NewsSpaceZim.
Because of her determination to make a positive impact in women’s lives, Kuda decided to start her own organisation, the Women Association of Survivors (WAS) in 2017.
“I started WAS with a focus on providing authentic psychosocial support and advocating for the rights of women and girls who have experienced SGBV.
“Additionally, WAS works to enhance the social, emotional, and economic well-being of young women and girls by fostering self-worth and empowering them through capacity building, education, and skills development training.
“Based on my personal experience as a survivor of SGBV, I was inspired to establish an organisation that serves as a safe haven for survivors.
“This organisation aims to provide support and assistance to women and girls as they navigate their healing journey,” narrated Kuda.
Whilst she has been providing a safe haven for women, the road has not been easy, as she has dealt with several challenges but she remains optimistic.
“To be frank, the journey has been challenging, but incredibly rewarding.
“Establishing a space for women to be empowered on emotional and intellectual levels has been fulfilling.
“It is important for women to have the courage to stand up and advocate not only for themselves, but also for other women and girls who are still facing SGBV.
“One of the main challenges I have faced is the lack of funds to sustain our programs.
“We have been actively seeking donations and securing small grants to keep our initiatives running.
“Additionally, I have encountered threats from perpetrators, but I have taken action by reporting these threats to the appropriate authorities.”
Kuda is determined with her cause, as she has several future plans as she continues with her cause to see the protection of women.
“We want to expand services and impact: diversify support services: Offer additional services like legal aid, vocational training, and microfinance to address a wider range of needs.
“Geographic expansion: we want to consider expanding operations to reach more communities, especially in rural areas where access to support services is limited.
“We are also looking at strengthen partnerships: collaborate with other organisations, government agencies, and international bodies to increase resources and expertise.
“We also want a data-driven approach: utilize data and technology to track progress, identify trends, and refine interventions for maximum impact.
“Advocacy and Policy Change: lobbying and advocacy: engage with policymakers to advocate for stronger laws and policies protecting women’s rights and addressing SGBV.
“Public awareness campaigns: we want to raise awareness about SGBV, its consequences, and available support services through media campaigns and community outreach,” added Kuda.
She further revealed that she wants to empower women by training survivors to become advocates for their own rights and the rights of others.
Kuda also aims to collaborate with the media to highlight the issue of SGBV and promote positive narratives about women and girls.
“Our driving forces for WAS are healing and recovery: providing a safe and supportive space for survivors to share their experiences and process their trauma.
“Offering counselling and therapy services to help survivors heal emotionally and psychologically.
“Creating opportunities for survivors to connect with others who have shared experiences.
“Empowerment and Self-Sufficiency: providing education and training programs to help survivors develop skills and gain economic independence.”
She adds: “offering legal aid and advocacy services to help survivors navigate the legal system and seek justice.
“Supporting survivors in their efforts to rebuild their lives and regain control.
“Advocacy and Social Change: raising awareness about the issue of sexual violence and challenging societal norms that perpetuate it.
“Lobbying for stronger laws and policies to protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable.
“Working with communities to prevent sexual violence and promote gender equality.
“Community Building and Solidarity: creating a strong and supportive community of survivors.
“Organising events and activities to foster a sense of belonging and connection.
“Collaborating with other organisations to amplify the voices of survivors and create a broader movement for change,” added Kuda.
Apart from her work with WAS, Kuda is a published author, who loves to be around her family.
