Staff Reporter
Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Dr Sithembiso Nyoni has said that a High Level Political Compact document which was launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa is going to direct the nation towards ending gender-based violence.
Addressing journalists today in Harare, Dr Nyoni said, “My Ministry aims to promote an integrated approach towards eradication of Gender-Based Violence. In addressing Gender Based Violence, the Ministry is guided by the Domestic Violence Act of 2007. Recently a High Level Political Compact document on the eradication of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Harmful practices was launched by His Excellency and is going to steer the national direction towards ending Gender Based Violence.”
Minister Nyoni added that in responding to Gender Based Violence, her Ministry continues to offer comprehensive Gender Based Violence Services through One Stop Centres (OSC), Police Victim Friendly Units and Safe Shelters throughout the country.
She further said that the Ministry had so far established six OSC in the country.
“To date the Ministry has established six One Stop Centres in Manicaland, Midlands, Matabeleland South, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central and Harare. The OSC provides all key services required by a GBV/sexual violence survivor under one roof namely Health, Psychosocial, Legal and Police services.”
Minister Nyoni added that her Ministry was also implementing the Mobile One Stop Centre concept to cater for those who are having challenges in accessing services.
Meanwhile, during the address, Minster Nyoni also reiterated that her Ministry was facilitating the formation of an umbrella body for women in business and is promoting skills development and value addition in all sectors.
The International Women`s Day will be celebrated tomorrow at Harare Gardens. Each year the celebrations are done on the 8th of March. The Day is celebrated under a different theme each year and member states can adjust to suit their particular situations. The International theme for this year is “Gender Equality for a sustainable tomorrow” and the national theme is “Gender Mainstreaming and Women Empowerment in Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management.”
