Sweden envoy in Zim honors 18 celebrities for role in #LoveShouldn’tHurt campaign
By Staff Writer
THE Embassy of Sweden in Zimbabwe has honored 18 celebrities for playing a pivotal role in the flagship #LoveShouldn’tHurt campaign which pushed for an end to Gender Based Violence (GBV).
Speaking at the awards ceremony to honor and appreciate the celebrities for their immense contribution to the success of the LSH campaign, Sweden’s envoy to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Åsa Pehrson described the contributions made by the celebrities as “incredible”.
“I applaud the 18 brand ambassadors who were part of this campaign, for the incredible work they have done initiating dialogues against GBV in their communities. These ambassadors in their diversity have leveraged their expertise and influence, to engage men in a way that encourages them to stop listen and act against GBV.
“They successfully managed to create a movement of men and women who shun GBV through their music, and drama skits on digital media, in church, on the soccer field, and on the radio,” she said.
The envoy bemoaned the impact of violence against women and girls underscoring that this vice is a “gross violation of human rights” which causes untold suffering and loss of life to women and children with the high risk of being passed down to boys who witness violence in their homes.
Pehson said the LSH songs, jingles, and videos that the ambassadors created permeated every home and community in Zimbabwe through radio, TV, digital media, and various community outreaches with the LSH slogan becoming a war cry against GBV in Zimbabwe.
“We still have a lot of work to do to end GBV. Violence continues so we should also continue to talk about it publicly, engage men, and use our areas of influence to appeal to the hearts of perpetrators of violence.
“You have set the bar high, and we hope to see you even surpass it as you continue your work against GBV. I would like to end by thanking you for partnering with the Embassy of Sweden in this worthy cause and urge you to continue this great work that you have started,” said the top envoy.
She also said the LSH campaign raised her hopes on the possibility to end GBV and committed to create an environment where women and girls feel free, safe, and protected from GBV.
