Clive Thabo Dube
Sports Reporter
THE Association of International Taekwon-Do in Zimbabwe (AITZ) has resolved to expand its athletes base amongst females in the country. AITZ hopes the move will curb gender based violence (GBV).
During Covid-19, GBV cases in the country were recorded at an alarming rate. The Association of International Taekwon-Do in Zimbabwe is now advocating for women to participate in martial arts to learn self- defence maneuvers and be offered empowerment.
Speaking to Zim GBC News, the Association of International Taekwon-Do in Zimbabwe secretary general, Wesley Kudzai Ziracha said there are many gender disparities which has seen men and women rights unequally distributed. The most integrated strategy to mitigate the issue is to advocate for the upliftment of women and shun brassiness.
“Women suffer more in their lives as a result of being overburdened with work and of their lack of power and influence in almost everything as they are often overlooked and undermined. In most regions of the world, women receive less formal education than men, and at the same time, women’s own knowledge, abilities and coping mechanisms often go unrecognized. It is therefore our goal as the Association of International Taekwon-Do in Zimbabwe to empower females. Teaching the art of Taekwon-do to the girl child, empowers her to also be able to stand and defend herself in this cruel world we live in. Females are almost always a victim of violence and abuse.”Said Wesley Kudzai Ziracha.
Zimbabwe has a demographic dominated by females, It has been often said, women are the backbone of a nation as they play a crucial role in the nations development and the main thrust to achieve sustainable development is to empower the females. The issue of GBV is a daily occurrence and by inspiring women to partake in sports, and promoting equal rights, Zimbabwe as a county will strive.
Ziracha who is a Bosabum (coach) 2nd degree black belt holder said any nation will be better off without any discriminatory tendencies nor baseness towards another gender as the nation is a combination of both males and females.
“if you empower women, you empower the nation because any nation is made up of the two, the male and females. Already almost all aspects of life are biased and in favor of the males. Be it sports, work and even in our cultures. AITZ sees to it that every individual, regardless of gender should receive proper attention, recognition and exposure. We try by all means to give them a ‘push’ and encourage them to be more involved in everything else. I believe if we empower females and get them involved more in everything, we’ll be better as a nation.” He said.
He also told Zim GBC News that Taekwon-Do as the art is a way of life and the sport of kicking fights gender based violence through the use of discipline, character building and integrity.
“Discipline is a very crucial aspect in Taekwon-do along with our tenets and oath that we take in on a day-to-day basis which are more centered on shaping one’s morals and character. In any self defense situation, we believe that the first and best thing to do is to avoid ever having to defend yourself. Thus knowing when and what to say in any situation. You cannot fight fire with fire. Female comrades also get equipped with adequate skills to neutralize threats for their well-being if the situation cannot be avoided at all.
He said the ‘Do’ in Taekwon-Do emphasizes on courtesy and integrity, that is the way of Taekwon-Do.