By Own Correspondent| Zimbabwean women have mobilised themselves to speak out against the alleged rape of women by members of the army following the crackdown on organisers of the #ShutdownZimbabwe protests which saw violence breaking out and an estimated 12 people being shot by security agents.

In a message doing the rounds on social media platforms, Zimbabwean women have declared Wednesday #BlackWednesday calling on all citizens who are standing in solidarity with women who were allegedly raped by soldiers to put on black attire.

Nettie Musanhu called on citizens to stop demonising and judging rape victims but to support them in order to assist victims break the culture of silence.

Said Musanhu on twitter:

Linda Masarira. Spokesperson of the MDC led by Dr Thokozani Khupe urged women to speak out as one against rape.

Said Masarira:

“Our greatest challenge is that we have women’s organisations that are very much polarised. Most of the organisations are only after donor funding and having conferences in hotels. But when it comes to dealing with the real issues in the ground, they are nowhere to be found…..Women’s organisations should not be silent when there are so many violations against women right now.”

Added one Chido Luciasi:

“Acting as if our lives do not matter. It took them seconds to locate plough thieves. Now it’s taking ages to bring the culprits to book. #WomenLivesMatter”

Said Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition Director Memory Kadau :

Added the Adult Rape Clinic: