Dear editor,
Allow me space in your newspaper to commend Government for opening the first ever gender-based violence (GBV)court in Kabwe recently.
This is a clear demonstration of government’s commitment to end GBV, a vice that remains shockingly common in our country.
By opening the court, the judiciary will do its part in ensuring that cases are promptly handled and a clear message is sent to potential perpetrators. But then the judiciary can only do so much in contributing to the decline of GBV cases.
As the Chief Justice observed during the opening ceremony, the judicial system alone is not enough to end this form of violence. The larger responsibility of bringing such violence to a standstill lies with each and every concerned adult in this country.
GBV does not take place in a vacuum. The violence occurs in  our homes and ironically among people that may presumably be close to each other.
Whilst some victims are able to report their miserable situations, others hide because of cultural, economic and social reasons.
This persistent culture of silence among victims and close family members has contributed a great deal in nurturing the vice over the years.
As the fast-track court becomes operational in Kabwe, all responsible citizens must also continue with sensitization against gender-based violence.
Influential stakeholders like churches and traditional leaders must join government and some NGO’s in condemning violence and encouraging dialogue among couples, family and friends.
I am persuaded to believe that much as we would like to see perpetrators of GBV brought to book, the long-term desire for all, the judiciary included, is to prevent GBV from happening in the first place.
Willy Zulu
Chibombo