Sweden Honors Love Shouldn’t Hurt Ambassadors

The Embassy of Sweden in Harare and its partner, Population Solutions for Health (PSH), awarded several celebrities and influencers for using their voice to amplify the Love Shouldn’t Hurt (LSH) campaign, a movement against intimate partner violence.

The Awards Ceremony was held at the Swedish Ambassador’s residence in Harare on Friday 24, March 2023 and they were meant to applaud and recognize the champions who made the Love Shouldn’t Hurt campaign a resounding success.

By Michael Gwarisa
In her speech at the awards event, Embassy of Sweden to Zimbabwe Ambassador Åsa Pehrson said violence against women and girls is a gross violation of human rights.

It causes untold suffering and loss of life to women and children. Once it starts in families, it turns into a vicious cycle, as children who witness violence in their homes also run the risk of becoming abusive or to allow themselves to be subjected to violence as they grow older and enter into relationships of their own.

Sweden Honors Love Shouldn’t Hurt Ambassadors

“The Embassy of Sweden recognizes the leading role that communities play in ending GBV. We also know that men in communities have a key role in ending gender-based violence. We cannot end gender-based violence if we do not engage men. The LSH campaign puts men at the forefront of speaking publicly against GBV. We need such men and women as LSH ambassadors who can act as role models for young people to emulate against GBV,” said Ambassador Pehrson.

Celebrities who received awards include Holy 10, Winky D, Freeman, Apostle Pride Sibiya, Rev Josias Mudenda, Ammara Brown, Sabhuku Vharazipi, Slick Pastor, Nqobizitha Masuku, Lionel Mkandla, Edward Sadomba, Gabriel Mbale, Madlela Skhobokhobo, Sandra Ndebele, Babongile Sibanda, Hwabaraty, Lorraine Guyo and Babongile Skhonjwa

“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.

The LSH songs, jingles, and videos that the ambassadors created have permeated every home and community in Zimbabwe through radio, TV, digital media, and various community outreaches. The LSH slogan has become a war cry against GBV in Zimbabwe through the work of the ambassadors. The Embassy of Sweden and its partners, PSI and PSH recognizes this powerful influence and applaud you. Well done!”

She however added that there was still a lot of work to do to end GBV and as 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.”

She said the LSH campaign gives hope that it is possible to end GBV and it is possible to create an environment where women and girls feel free, safe, and protected from GBV. 

Because love shouldn’t hurt - healthtimes.co.zw

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