Strengthening Community Action to Prevent Sexual E...

Strengthening Community Action to Prevent Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment in Zimbabwe

Munyaradzi Blessing Doma

Zim Now Writer

It is everyone’s duty to prevent sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment to create a safer and more just society for all.

This call was made by Population Solutions for Health Executive Director, Dr Noah Taruberekera at Alliance Francaise during a theatre performance on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment.

The performance, organised by PSH with support from the Swiss Embassy, addressed sexual misconduct by raising awareness and promoting dialogue through interactive scenarios.

"Prevention of SEAH is everyone’s responsibility. We must speak out if we witness sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment, and encourage survivors to share their experiences while protecting them," said Dr Taruberekera.

"We should challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours and advocate for policies and laws that protect and empower individuals. Together, we can create a Zimbabwe where dignity, respect, and justice prevail."

He added that SEAH affects everyone in organisations, both as supervisors and peers, and impacts the communities served when staff from donor-funded organisations misuse their power to demand sexual favours for services.

“We all know of instances where staff members request sexual favours, even from community health workers. This extends to homes, where a father may abuse the maid, or a brother-in-law exploits younger sisters-in-law- ‘chiramu’ gone wrong. SEAH even occurs during kombi rides, where drivers and conductors verbally harass women and girls.”

Dr Taruberekera emphasised the program's alignment with PSH's ongoing initiatives on gender-based violence through the "Love Shouldn’t Hurt" campaign and the Anti-Child Marriages campaign

“We are grateful to the Swiss Embassy for supporting our work on SEAH, which resonates with our organisational values. PSH has a zero-tolerance policy regarding SEAH and has implemented a Safeguarding Policy to prevent it in the workplace. This theatre performance will further strengthen our response to these critical issues.”

"This is only a small part of what’s needed," he added. "There is significant demand for these performances among civil society organisations and the private sector, and we hope the Swiss Embassy can continue supporting this initiative."

Communications Officer at the Swiss Embassy, Richard Nyamanhindi said the performance brought critical issues closer to home by contextualising them in Zimbabwe, making the message relevant and impactful.

“This performance sheds light on silent struggles many face and emphasises the importance of accountability in reducing exploitation. Through storytelling, we can foster understanding and inspire action,” Nyamanhindi said.

Virginia Muwanigwa, CEO of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, praised ongoing efforts to promote equal representation and influence societal norms. “Despite progress, more needs to be done, as violence and harassment still persist. Violence and harassment are unacceptable regardless of who does it or where it occurs,” she said.

Chief Director in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Lillian Takaendesa, expressed gratitude to the Swiss Embassy for the initiative, adding, “Disseminating information in different forms ensures it reaches various audiences. Although we have implemented a Sexual Harassment Policy in the public sector, we are working with partners like PSH to create an abuse-free environment.”