Harare, Zimbabwe, 6 December 2024 - In the 16 Days of the Activism Against gender -based violence (GBV) the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) today announced a new partnership with Government partners, the Council of Social Workers and academic institutions to strengthen case management for survivors of GBV under the Women at the Centre programme.
GBV remains a sad reality for many women and girls in Zimbabwe with almost 1 in every 2 women suffering from physical or sexual violence. Under the Women at the Centre programme, funded by Takeda Pharmaceuticals, UNFPA is working with various partners to provide increased support to survivors of GBV by ensuring quality case management services.
As part of this programme UNFPA, the Council of Social Workers and eight Academic Institutions will work to review the Social Work Curriculum at Universities with the goal to ensure it is inclusive and is in line with international standards on GBV Case Management training programme. This investment in capacity building and professionalization of the social service workforce will ensure front line GBV responders are equipped to provide immediate skilled support for GBV survivors. The signing ceremony marks the formalization of this strategic partnership.
“Ensuring timely access to critical, life saving services following gender-based violence of any kind, including sexual violence, is a key step in ensuring recovery by survivors,” said UNFPA Representative Ms. Miranda Tabifor at the signing ceremony. She added: “The signing ceremony represents a great commitment to support GBV survivors to access critical GBV services.”
Social workers play a critical role in ensuring that survivors can access the services they need by providing case management services and psychosocial support. Social workers and case managers are the backbone in ensuring a multi-sectoral approach, enabling survivors to get the support they need from health care providers, legal support as well as the Victim-Friendly Unit of the Zimbabwe National Police.
Registrar of the Council of Social Workers Mr Nesbert Tadzoka said: “This strategic partnership aims to invest in the capacity building and professionalisation of the social service workforce. We are ensuring that future social workers are well prepared to address the complex and sensitive issues related to gender - based violence.”
Through its technical leadership UNFPA together with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development will support the capacity building of social workers on GBV Case Management through an accredited training program for both pre- and in-service social workers and case managers based on international standards.
“Equipping frontline GBV responders with the necessary skills is a key determinant of the ability of survivors to recover from the trauma of violence and continue to live normal lives. Therefore, this initiative is critical as it enhances the ability of social workers to navigate the complexities of GBV cases, ensuring that they can respond effectively to the psychological needs of survivors,” said Chief Director in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Mrs. Lilian Matsika - Takaindisa in speech read on her behalf by Ms M Singende the Deputy Director.
The eight universities that are part of this partnership are the University of Zimbabwe, Midlands State University, Great Zimbabwe, Africa University, Bindura University of Science Education, Reformed Church University, Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University and Aruppe Jesuit University.
For more information please contact:
Bertha Shoko, Innovation, Communication and Visibility Specialist: shoko@unfpa.org
Cell: +263 772 782299
Albert Chavhunduka, Communications Officer, Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development: albertochavs24@gmail.com
Cell: +263 780 662 068
