Government of Zimbabwe, partners launch 16 days of activism against Gender Based Violence campaign period

Harare, Zimbabwe, 17 November, 2023 – The Ministry of Women Affairs Community Small and Medium Enterprises Development, UN Country Team Zimbabwe and partners today launched the 16 days of activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV) campaign period with a call to double efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV) is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on 10 December with International Human Rights Day. The theme for 2023 commemorations is: UNITE! Invest to Prevent Violence against Women & Girls.

The 16 days of activism period presents an opportunity to continue the social mobilisation that has been ongoing throughout the year towards the elimination of GBV and support advocacy around GBV awareness and prevention.

Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Honourable Monica Mutsvangwa urged all stakeholders to continue investing in GBV prevention as it promotes the well-being and empowerment of women and communities.

“Through prevention initiatives, we actively strive to reshape cultural norms, promote gender equality through socio-economic empowerment of women and girls as well as foster a culture rooted in respect and consent,” said Hon. Mutsvangwa.

“Gender-based violence slows economic growth and constitutes a breach of that most sacred of moral contracts: that everyone has the right to feel safe and secure, to freely be their authentic selves, and to chart their own destinies.”

Gender-based violence is a well-documented human rights violation, a public health challenge, and a barrier to civic, social, political, and economic participation. It undermines the safety, dignity, and overall health status, social and economic wellbeing of the individuals who experience it.

“Addressing gender inequality is key to tackling gender-based violence, as it hinders girls and young women from accessing education, employment, and leadership positions,” said Ms. Francesca Erdelmann, UN Resident Coordinator ad Interim. “This limited agency and decision-making power in areas such as economic empowerment, health, and sexual and reproductive choices heighten their vulnerability to violence and harmful practices.”

In Zimbabwe at least 1 in every 3 women (15 – 49) have experienced physical violence (35%) while 1 in every 5 women (17%) have experienced sexual violence. In most cases, perpetrators are intimate partners.

Other harmful practices such as child and early and forced marriages, which constitute a serious violation of the sexual, reproductive and health rights of women and girls in Zimbabwe, leading to higher rates of early pregnancy and increased risks of exposure to HIV/AIDS and high level of maternal mortality.

“Every day, women, and girls experience violence because of their gender. Certain groups, such as women living in rural and remote communities and women with disabilities, are at even greater risk to experience Gender Based Violence. This is unacceptable!” said Canada’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Adler Aristilde.

“This year and every year Canada join the global 16 Days activism campaign to end sexual and gender-based violence.  Canada stands with its partners here today and calls on others to join us and raise awareness to end sexual gender-based violence in Zimbabwe and everywhere.  It is everyone’s responsibility to act against gender-based violence regardless of whether it’s physical, emotional, financial, or sexual violence.”

With the support of various funding and technical partners the MWACSMED is coordinating efforts in the country to address this problem through various programmes and initiatives.

“Sweden acknowledges that action to combat violence against women must proceed from a judicial, social, economic, and health-related perspective, and also from a gender equality perspective,” said Head of Development Cooperation Mr Berthollet Kabor.

“Ending Gender Based Violence is a critical component of Sweden’s support to Zimbabwe, with a focus on increased protection and support to victims of violence, greater emphasis on preventive work, higher standards and greater efficiency in the judicial system, increased cooperation, and coordination among stakeholders, raising awareness; and enhancing knowledge and competence.”

The Ministry of Women Affairs Community Small and Medium Enterprises Development will be leading national efforts to continue mobilising for support for women and girls during this time through a number of activities.

For more information please contact the following:

Albert Chavhunduka, Communication and Advocacy Officer, Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development on Email: albertochavs24@gmail.com or Tel:263780662068

Sirak Gebrehiwot, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office Development Coordination Officer on Email: sirak.gebrehiwot@un.org; Tel:263772198036

Wongai Zhangazha, Embassy of Canada Political and Public Affairs Officer on Email: wongai.zhangazha@international.gc.ca or Tel:263772249894

Sophia Nyagwande, Embassy of Sweden Communications and Promotion Officer on Email: sophia.nyagwande@gov.se or Tel:263242302636/7

Bertha Shoko, UNFPA Innovation, Communication and Visibility Specialist on Email: shoko@unfpa.org or Tel:263772185177