Source: Voice of America
The group says women in prominent positions including Ambassador to Australia Jacqueline Zwambila, and Co-Minister of Home Affairs Theresa Makone, have been subjected to sexist verbal attacks

Zimbabwe's Research and Advocacy Unit, a human rights defenders group, says security sector and constitutional reforms along with more effective national healing efforts are essential to end politically motivated violence against women, which it says is rising.

The organization issued a report called "Women and Political Violence: An Update," which provides details on the detention and mistreatment of female activists from groups such as Women of Zimbabwe Arise and the International Socialist Organization.

It says women in prominent positions including Zimbabwe's ambassador to Australia, Jacqueline Zwambila, and Co-Minister of Home Affairs Theresa Makone, were subjected to sexist verbal attacks by President Robert Mugabe and others.

Research and Advocacy Unit Program Manager Kudakwashe Chitsike told VOA Studio 7 reporter Sithandekile Mhlanga that violence is intended to instill fear and stop women from exercising their democratic rights.

• Zimbabwe