Harare, Zimbabwe, 30 August 2024 - The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Zimbabwe Cricket Association today signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The purpose of the MOU is to provide a framework for cooperation and facilitate collaboration between the Parties in areas of common interest, particularly in strengthening awareness raising to end Gender Based Violence (GBV) and all forms of violence against women and girls and promote sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
Gender Based Violence is a huge problem in Zimbabwe affecting many women and girls. About 1 in 3 women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence and about 1 in 4 women have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15. In an effort to reduce GBV, UNFPA has adopted comprehensive service models from policy advocacy to help survivors receive more holistic support working with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development, sister UN agencies and civil society.
UNFPA and the Zimbabwe Cricket Association will step up these efforts while collaborating to raise awareness on Gender Based Violence and all forms of violence against women and girls as well as, supporting prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in all sectors including in the workplace. UNFPA and the Cricket Association will also work with men and boys to promote gender equality and positive masculinity.
“Expanding partnerships for impact is at the centre of what we do as UNFPA. This partnership represents a shared commitment that supports our efforts to end Gender- Based Violence which is a huge problem in Zimbabwe,” said UNFPA Representative Ms Miranda Tabifor.
UNFPA, the Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights agency within the UNFPA family, leads on the prevention and response to GBV. As such, support will be provided for training Zimbabwe Cricket players and staff, developing prevention messages on all matters related to GBV and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse to ensure the cricket play field can become a space for the promotion of positive masculinities.
With its huge following nationwide of cricket lovers, especially among men and boys, the potential for the Zimbabwe Cricket Association to influence positive masculinities in support of ending violence against and women and girls is huge.
Commenting on the partnership, Zimbabwe Cricket’s Managing Director Givemore Makoni said: “We are delighted to partner UNFPA and play our part in not only promoting the girl child to play better cricket on the field, but to also support awareness drives that help protect the girl child even off the field.”
For more information please contact the following:
Bertha Shoko, Innovation, Communication and Visibility Specialist:
Cell: +263 772 782299
Darlington Majonga, Media and Communications:
Cell: +263 712 456973
