Government Intensifies Efforts to Combat Gender-Ba...

Government Intensifies Efforts to Combat Gender-Based Violence

Rutendo Mazhindu

Zim Now Writer

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating gender-based violence, with the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Hon. Monica Mutsvangwa, outlining significant progress and initiatives during the launch of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence in Matabeleland South.

Speaking at the event held in Umzingwane District, Minister Mutsvangwa praised the local leadership and community members for their unwavering dedication to tackling GBV.

“This year’s theme, ‘Towards 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls,’ urges us to critically reflect on our progress and take decisive steps towards achieving the goals of the Beijing Declaration,” she said.

The Minister highlighted Zimbabwe’s legislative advancements, including the Domestic Violence Act, the Marriages Act of 2022, which sets the minimum marriage age at 18, and the Data Protection Act to address GBV in digital spaces. Additionally, the Labour Amendment Act targets workplace sexual harassment.

Key among the government’s initiatives is the High-Level Political Compact on Ending Gender-Based Violence and Harmful Practices (2021–2030), launched in 2021 to combat GBV systematically.

Despite these efforts, GBV remains widespread. According to the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, 42.5% of Zimbabwean women have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.

“These statistics represent real lives—our mothers, sisters, and friends irreparably affected by GBV,” Minister Mutsvangwa emphasized. “We must act collectively to build violence-free communities.”

To support survivors, the government has established 18 One-Stop Centres and 20 GBV Safe Shelters nationwide, with two centres located in Umzingwane and Gwanda districts. Plans are underway to establish similar facilities in every district.

The government has also implemented economic empowerment programs such as the Women’s Development Fund, the Community Development Fund, and the Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank, which provide collateral-free loans to women. Minister Mutsvangwa announced that the Umzingwane Safe Market will be completed by April 2025, creating a violence-free workspace for women.

Traditional and religious leaders were called upon to challenge societal norms that perpetuate GBV. “As trusted figures, you have the power to reshape attitudes and encourage survivors to seek justice,” the Minister said.

Minister Mutsvangwa also acknowledged the importance of engaging men in addressing harmful masculinity while noting an increase in violence perpetrated by women against men.

“Violence, regardless of the perpetrator, undermines our societal fabric. It is time to stand together against this cycle of harm,” she said.

As the nation observes the 16 Days of Activism, the Minister urged all stakeholders to renew their commitment to ending GBV.

“Our culture does not condone violence. We must stand firm against those who use culture as a shield to justify their actions,” she concluded.