Minister Monica Mutsvangwa Launches 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

Zimbabwe’s Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, launched the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign in Harare yesterday, calling for collective action to address the persistent issue of violence against women and girls.

The campaign, which runs from November 25 to December 10, seeks to raise awareness, mobilize action, and strengthen collaboration to combat GBV. The global initiative highlights the need for a united front to tackle all forms of gender-based violence, ranging from domestic abuse to online harassment.

At the launch, Minister Mutsvangwa reflected on the challenges Zimbabwe faces, emphasizing the prevalence of domestic violence, child sexual abuse, and online harassment. She also acknowledged the troubling rise of gender-based violence perpetrated by women against men, stressing that violence in any form, regardless of the gender of the perpetrator, is unacceptable.

“We must foster a culture of respect and accountability, where all individuals feel safe and supported in seeking help,” she said. “Our commitment to eradicating GBV must be all-encompassing, addressing violence from any direction.”

One of the key moments of the event was the story shared by Ms. Chenai Thula, a survivor of gender-based violence from Mahlabathini village in Bubi District. Ms. Thula endured years of physical, emotional, and economic abuse at the hands of her husband. Despite the harsh reality, she found strength in reporting the abuse and joining a group of women involved in income-generating projects. This involvement allowed her to regain financial independence, ultimately bringing peace to her home. “Through these projects, I started bringing in money to feed the family, and that is when things changed,” she said.

Her testimony reflects the experience of many Zimbabwean women who have faced violence within their homes. Statistics reveal that approximately one in three women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, and one in four have experienced sexual violence.

Minister Mutsvangwa also highlighted gaps in the implementation of GBV-related laws and policies, such as weak accountability mechanisms and insufficient funding for national GBV responses. She emphasized the need for a multi-sectoral approach to tackle GBV, urging all stakeholders and communities to work together to create a society free from violence.

This year’s theme for the campaign, “Towards 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” calls for a renewed commitment to the principles outlined in the Beijing Declaration, a pivotal moment for women’s rights globally.

The Zimbabwean government remains committed to tackling GBV, having implemented various initiatives, including the establishment of GBV call centers, toll-free numbers, and community-based shelters. These efforts aim to provide essential support to survivors, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas.

In her closing remarks, Minister Mutsvangwa encouraged all Zimbabweans to join the fight against GBV, stating, “Let us remain united in our resolve to end violence against women and girls, and create communities where violence is not tolerated, and where every individual is treated with dignity and respect.”

The 16 Days of Activism serve as a reminder of the urgent need for continued advocacy, action, and support for the survivors of gender-based violence in Zimbabwe and around the world.