By Bernard Mutambudzi.

In an effort to reduce Gender Based Violence (GBV), the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development is working with the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA), sister UN agencies and civil society to increase availability and utilisation of GBV services and shelters to victims.

 Magdalene Chavanduka, Anti-Domestic Violence Council National Director said shelter homes should be in every district in the country.

“Shelter to accommodate victims of domestic violence should be accessible to every victim who needs it, in fact at the convenient place,” said Chavunduka.

The main thrust of the programme is to increase awareness of gender responsive laws and services; the provision of health care, psychosocial support and legal aid to survivors of GBV, mobilizing men and young people to support gender equality; GBV prevention through community mobilisation; and supporting GBV referral and co-ordination mechanisms at district and community levels.

President Mnangagwa is on record saying male chauvinism and sexism have no place in Zimbabwe and should be condemned whenever they manifest.

“My administration is strongly committed to protecting and promoting women’s rights, preventing gender-based violence and reducing gender inequalities.

“To this end we are making progressive changes to legislation to strengthen the protective environment for girls and women. Going forward, we will, together with other stakeholders, put in place comprehensive frameworks that ensure the requisite safety nets for single headed households and other related vulnerable groups.

“Allow me to state that in the new Zimbabwe there is no room for chauvinism and sexism or any form of abuse towards women or any sector of the society, no matter the pretext or circumstances.”

President Mnangagwa said gender equality was at the centre of his administration’s agenda.

He said his Government would enact legislation and introduce policies that engendered inclusivity and equality.

“Amidst the opening up of democratic space, increased freedoms and all the changes in the new dispensation, there must also be a new era of equal gender relations,” said the President.

President Mnangagwa said Government would continue prioritising the elevation of women to leadership positions across the economic and social spectrum.