By Tatenda Gabi.
Zimbabwe has officially kicked off the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign, running from November 25 to December 10. The initiative aims to raise awareness, mobilize action, and foster collaboration to combat GBV, a pressing issue in society.
At a press conference marking the campaign’s launch, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Monica Mutsvangwa, highlighted ongoing challenges, including domestic violence, child sexual abuse, and online harassment. She urged all stakeholders to unite in addressing these critical issues and work towards creating a society free from violence.
Minister Mutsvangwa expressed concern over a disturbing trend: an increase in GBV incidents perpetrated by women against men. She emphasized that violence in all its forms is unacceptable, regardless of the gender of the perpetrator. “Violence against any individual undermines the very fabric of our society and perpetuates a cycle of harm. A comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach is essential in tackling these challenges,” she stated.
The Minister acknowledged significant gaps in the implementation of GBV-related laws and policies, attributing these to weak accountability mechanisms and insufficient funding for national response initiatives. She stressed the importance of a collective commitment to eradicating GBV in all its forms, fostering a culture of respect and accountability where individuals feel safe seeking help.
This year’s campaign is themed “Towards 30 Years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls.” Mutsvangwa called for a renewed commitment from nations to uphold the principles established in the Beijing Declaration.
“As a government, we are dedicated to ending gender-based violence, but we can achieve more together. Let us unite in our resolve to create communities where violence is not tolerated, and where every individual is treated with dignity and respect,” she urged.
Since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration, Zimbabwe has made strides in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment through progressive laws and policies aimed at ending GBV. The government has prioritized the establishment of GBV call centers and toll-free numbers to improve access to support services. Additionally, the Ministry of Women Affairs has led efforts to create community-based shelters and One Stop Centres, providing multi-sectoral services in remote and underserved areas.
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