Staff Reporter
The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, launched the national 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), on November 27, 2024, campaign at Mawabeni Primary School.
The event, hosted in collaboration with key stakeholders, focused on mobilizing collective action to eliminate GBV and promote gender equality.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Mutsvangwa emphasized the importance of the campaign, aligning it with Zimbabwe’s progress in gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“The 16 Days of Activism is a significant reminder of our commitment to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
She highlighted Zimbabwe’s milestones, including progressive legislation like the Domestic Violence Act of 2007, mandatory sentencing for sexual offenses, and the establishment of minimum marriage age laws.
Despite these advancements, the Minister expressed concern over the prevalence of GBV, noting that 42.5% of Zimbabwean women have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
She urged communities, particularly in Matabeleland South, to take collective responsibility in combating GBV.
“These statistics are not just numbers. They represent lives impacted by violence. It is our duty to create communities where violence is not tolerated, and dignity and respect prevail,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa applauded initiatives such as the establishment of 18 One-Stop Centres and 20 Safe Shelters nationwide, including two in Umzingwane and Gwanda.
These facilities provide survivors with access to health care, legal assistance, and counselling.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of economic empowerment for women as a sustainable approach to eradicating GBV.
She announced that the Government would finalize the construction of the Umzingwane Safe Market by April 2025 to provide women with a secure trading environment.
“Our robust women’s economic empowerment programs, including the Women’s Development Fund and Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank, ensure women can access collateral-free loans and financial support,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa called for increased male engagement, urging men to challenge harmful norms and foster a culture of respect and equality.
She also acknowledged the role of traditional and religious leaders in preventing and responding to GBV, emphasizing their influence in shaping attitudes and fostering justice.
“Your leadership can dismantle societal barriers and empower survivors to come forward. Together, we can build communities free of violence,” she stated.
The Minister urged all citizens to actively participate in the fight against GBV, emphasizing that it is a shared responsibility.
“Every effort counts. Together, we can create a world where every individual lives without fear of violence,” she said.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs Minister Dr. Evelyn Ndlovu, UN representatives, Government officials, and community leaders.
The launch marked the beginning of a nationwide campaign to end GBV and uphold gender equality.
This year’s theme, “Towards 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” calls for areflection of efforts made since the landmark declaration in 1995.
