GBV – NEWSSPACE

22 women raped daily in Zim

**Stakeholders who attended the** ***16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence Chiefs Indaba*** **pose for group photo**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

TWENTY-TWO women are raped daily in Zimbabwe, while one is abused every 75 minutes and an average of 646 are sexually abused each month, Swedish Ambassador, His Excellency Per Lindgärde, has said.

Ambassador Lindgärde revealed further that one in three girls under 18 is married in Zimbabwe.

He revealed these shocking statistics at Kakora Primary School in Mazowe, during the 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence Chiefs Indaba.

The event was organised by Population Solutions for Health (PSH), with support from the Embassy of Sweden and in partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development.

The indaba was attended by 16 Chiefs, Village Heads and other stakeholders.

“Globally every 10 minutes, a woman is killed.

“In Zimbabwe, 22 women are raped daily; one woman is abused every 75 minutes, and an average of 646 women are sexually abused each month. One in 3 girls under 18 is married, shocking and sobering statistics.

“The 16 Days of Activism and any other day of the year, we should reflect on these disturbing statistics.

“All these statistics represent more than just numbers; they reflect the lives of women and girls who are someone’s mother, daughter, sister, niece, or aunt-each suffering the pain and trauma of assault, rape, maiming, or murder at the hands of a man or boy.

“Tragically, few are reported or brought to justice,” said Ambassador Lindgärde.

He added that it was unfortunate that the home remains the most dangerous place for women and girls, as most of the women victims are killed by intimate partners, husband or boyfriend) or a family-related homicide (father, brother, son).

Ambassador Lindgärde reiterated that Chiefs and Village Heads and other authorities had a duty to be symbols of unity and tolerance, as they are best placed to reverse the epidemic of GBV.

“You can address the systematic, social inequality and disempowerment of women at the grassroots level.

“In your villages you can engage men to be activists in countering GBV.

“You can create an enabling environment for increased reporting, referral and support of GBV cases.

“As leaders you can encourage families to ensure that girls and boys stay in school and complete their education. It’s important that they learn that all human beings are equal in dignity and worth.”

He also revealed that his country is firmly committed to preventing and responding to all forms of sexual and gender-based violence and child marriages in Zimbabwe.

“We work actively to ensure that women and girls can decide for themselves over their lives and bodies.

“Through the “Love Shouldn’t Hurt” campaign, our partner Population Solutions for Health (PSH) is rallying men to be agents of change, to be allies in the fight against gender-based violence.

“There is also the “Give Me a Chance” campaign seeking to end early child marriages in the communities.

“We have also established a toll-free line where violence survivors can also call for help and support.

“I want to applaud you all, Chiefs and Village Heads for rallying behind these campaigns.

“Sweden takes pride in being part of these efforts that aim to bring dignity and respect to girls and women.

“Let me conclude by emphasising that, the vision of an inclusive world, free of discrimination and gender- based violence, and the realisation of this vision requires the commitment of every one of us.

“There are many ways in which, together we can and should make a difference. Let us commit today to continually – In our day-to-day work, challenge ourselves institutionally and personally to raise awareness and stand against gender-based violence,” added Ambassador Lindgärde.

Speaking at the same event, PSH Executive Director and Managing Trustee, Dr Noah Taruberekera said it was humbling to see Chiefs taking part in discussions aimed at effectively addressing GBV.

He also paid tribute to the government for the support to implement their programmes in the community.

“I would also like to express my gratitude to the Embassy of Sweden for their funding support which has enabled us to spread the message against GBV and Child Marriages through initiatives like the “Love Shouldn’t Hurt” project and the “Give Me A Chance” campaign.

“GBV is also closely linked to drug use, and we appreciate the continued support from the Swedish Embassy in our efforts to combat drug and substance use under the “Strength is In You” campaign.

“GBV is high in Zimbabwe, where some men misuse their physical strength to beat, rape, and kill women.

“It also includes child marriages, where young girls under the age of 18 are forced into marriage against their will.

“This is why we have gathered here as Chiefs, Village Heads, and men-because only we can solve this problem.

“The power to stop gender-based violence and child marriages in Zimbabwe lies in our hands.”

He added: “to the Chiefs, your role in shaping traditional norms is crucial in eliminating GBV and child marriages.

“Your voices are listened to. During the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV, we therefore urge you, as 16 Chiefs, to make solid commitments to prevent these practices.

“There is No Excuse for Gender-Based Violence. Let us all unite to create a Zimbabwe where mothers, sisters, and daughters can feel safe in their homes and villages.

“And this begins with each of us-let’s act against GBV together, starting today.”

Several Chiefs revealed that the programmes to protect women and girls were vital so as to eliminate GBV and child marriages.

PSH reports that the “Love Shouldn’t Hurt” campaign is an anti-GBV campaign that engages men as change makers, promotes gender equality, and increases the number of individuals who believe that gender-based violence should not be tolerated in their communities.

It (campaign) is centered around the universal theme of love and music, aiming to engage male perpetrators of violence and encourage them to end such behaviour.

And by collaborating with men in the community, local leaders, and a group of musicians, the campaign sparked a movement uniting men and women against GBV.

The “Love Shouldn’t Hurt” campaign further encourages men to raise their hand to love, not to beat their partners.

The “Give Me A Chance. I am a Child not A Wife” campaign is an anti-child marriage campaign that puts girls at the forefront of demanding an opportunity to fulfil their dreams and achieve a better future.

And the “Give Me A Chance. I am a Child, not a Wife” campaign works with community leaders, including chiefs and village heads to end early child marriages in their communities.

Collective efforts imperative to protect vulnerable members of the communities

**Dr Chidzewere Nzou, ZACH Programme Manager**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

There is need for collective efforts in raising awareness, supporting survivors, and advocating for policy changes that protect the most vulnerable members of our communities, Zimbabwe Association of Church-Related Hospitals (ZACH), Programme Manager, Dr Chidzewere Nzou has said.

Dr Nzou revealed this during the Annual National Media Conference to publicise policy issues emerging from SASA (Start, Awareness, Support and Action) communities.

According to The HIV/AIDS Network; SASA is a methodology and approach designed by the Uganda-based organisation, Raising Voices, which works with women and children to explore the gender aspects of power and to address the link between violence against women (VAW) and HIV/AIDS.

“The SASA model’s success is rooted in its holistic approach to community engagement.

“By involving community leaders, activists, and institutions, we have created a movement against violent behaviour.

“Traditional leaders, including Chiefs and their spouses, have become vocal advocates for the SASA model, further amplifying our message and impact.

“This collective activism is crucial in creating environments that do not tolerate abuse and in fostering a culture of respect and equality,” said Dr Nzou.

He also revealed that the SASA initiative has shown “that change is possible when we work together, and we are confident that with your continued support, we can achieve even greater milestones.”

Dr Nzou further revealed that while the recent amendment of the Criminal Law Code which has now set the age of consent at 18 is a welcome move, more still needs to be done to protect adolescent girls and young women.

“We must continue to educate our communities about the benefits of these laws and work together to protect all members, especially the girl child.

“Let us raise our voices, break the silence, and ensure a safer future for everyone.

“Despite these legal advancements, there is a pressing need to educate minors and their guardians about the benefits of this law.

“Many adolescent girls continue to engage in sexual activities before turning 18, and some cultural beliefs still perpetuate the notion that sexually active girls must marry their perpetrators.

“To address this, it is crucial to raise awareness and aligning national laws with customary practices, ensuring comprehensive protection for all community members, in particular the girl child,” said Dr Nzou.

He also revealed that gender based violence remains a vice which needs collective efforts to eliminate.

Speaking at the same conference; Maxwell Hombiro said it was necessary to prioritise adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) for the SASA model because of their high vulnerability.

“AGYW are at a higher risk of HIV infection and gender-based violence due to biological, social, and economic factors.

”They often face intersecting challenges such as limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, which can exacerbate their vulnerability.

”Targeted programs can help prevent HIV and GBV by providing education, resources, and support, empowering AGYW to make informed decisions about their health and safety.

”Investing in the health and well-being of AGYW can have a long-term positive impact on communities, as healthier and empowered young women contribute to the social and economic development of their societies.

”By focusing on AGYW, we can address the root causes of their vulnerability and create a safer, healthier future for them and their communities,” said Hombiro.

Sokuluhle Dube also revealed that pregnant minors and adolescent mothers continue to face significant challenges, despite the existence of the Education Amendment Act of 2020, which gives a second chance to pregnant girls and adolescent mothers to continue their education.

“Communities believe the government should provide material support in such instances.

“Families may find it challenging to provide care for an additional child due to economic hardships, which may result in the adolescent mothers dropping out of school to fend for their child.

“Zimbabwe is a signatory to international and regional conventions like the UNCRC and ACRWC.

“These commitments validate the community’s perspective that the government should play a more active role in supporting pregnant girls and adolescent mothers, ensuring they have the resources needed to continue their education and secure a better future,” said Dube.

She also revealed that there was need for several policy recommendations in order to address some of the challenges which are currently being faced.

And amongst those issues which need to be addressed is review of age restrictions.

“Review of laws and policies that restrict access to Sexual Reproductive Health services (SRH) based on age.

“Ensure that adolescents can access these services without parental consent where appropriate

”Support Adolescent Mother: introduce social grants and programs specifically designed to support the well-being of adolescent mothers and their children.

”Integrate SGBV and HIV/AIDS Programs: enhance the collaboration between Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and HIV/AIDS programs to provide holistic support to survivors.

“This should include joint training for healthcare providers and community workers on the intersection of SGBV and HIV/AIDS.

”Justice Sector Leadership in Awareness: key players in the justice services sector should lead efforts to raise awareness and educate communities about the consequences and effects of child sexual exploitation.

“They should also advise against promoting, aiding, or allowing child marriages,” added Dube.

“SASA changed my life”

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA recently in Mbire

SASA; a programme designed by a Ugandan-based non-governmental organisation, Raising Voices, has proved its worth in Zimbabwe, as it had helped to reduce violence against women and HIV infections.

And to add it onto its benefit, the SASA (Start, Awareness, Support and Action) programme has also managed to change some people who revealed they used to be perpetrators of violence against their fellow community members.

These people revealed their appreciation of the SASA programme during a National AIDS Council Media Tour of Mashonaland Central.

According to The HIV/AIDS Network; SASA is a methodology and approach designed by the Uganda-based Raising Voices, which works with women and children to explore the gender aspects of power and to address the link between violence against women (VAW) and HIV/AIDS.

“SASA is a Kiswahili word for “now” and also serves as an acronym for the key components of the programme: Start, Awareness, Support and Action.

“The programme seeks to prevent VAW and HIV by changing the attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate power imbalances in relationships between men and women.”

Gladness Mwale, aged 23, from Mbire District in Ward 3 was full of praises for the SASA programme, as she was honest enough to reveal that she used to be violent.

“Ini SASA yakatondibatsira nekuti ndaitombovawo munhu wacho aitokonzeresa mhirizhonga.

“Ndaingoti kugumburiswa ndaibva ndatoita mhirizhonga. “Ndaingoti kungokanganiswa chete, ndaisazvitora zvakanaka, asi pavakanditora, vachindidzidzisa kuti unochinja; hunhu hwangu hwakabva hwachinja.

“Ndaiva munhu wekuti ndaiti ndikanzwa zvataurwa nezvangu ndainobvunza, asi pakubvunza ndipo paikonzereseka dzimwe nyaya dzaizonetsa. (SASA programme helped me personally because I used to be violent. Whenever I got angry, I would engage in violence but it took me to be trained that I saw that what I was doing was wrong.)

Mwale revealed that when she was introduced to the SASA programme she didn’t understand it before she got hooked, in a good way.

“As a member of this programme, we were taught that before you expect to change other people, you have to change first.

“So I’m happy I did that, I did self-introspection and knew what I had to change about my behaviour.

“We were taught about things to do with gender based violence and all its key drivers. So we started going to villages and spreading this word on SASA.

“I started in 2019 and this year in December I will be completing this programme. We go into villages teaching people so that they know all that is to know about GBV. Many people did not even know what SASA was all about, but it all changed and many people got to know about SASA and it impacted them positively.

“Many also got to be serious about getting tested for HIV and also to book pregnancies early and it also helped in many other aspects of maternal health,” said Mwale.

She added: “cases of GBV have lessened because SASA speaks against such issues, it really helped us. We also got to engage in many other income generating projects, this really helped us a lot.

“SASA also helped us especially as young women because we got to learn about many projects because we used to have issues with financial management.

“Before SASA, we really used to have issues in our marriages, like our husbands would just use all the money on things which they wanted not considering the family but we have been empowered also such that we now have our own income generating projects.

“We have goat projects which has really helped.”

She also revealed that as a result of SASA, women can now stand for their rights, they now understand that they can report either to the police or other women’s organisations.

Cases of young women who used to be abused and the perpetrators getting away with such crimes have also lessened said Mwale.

Holiday Banda, a 37-year-old man who is also helping to spread the SASA ‘gospel’ said the programme had also helped him in his marriage because they used to have numerous misunderstandings with his wife, but that had since changed.

Banda said at first he didn’t understand what this programme was all about till they were trained.

“There are groups and in each group there are 25 people and in a month we meet three times, first month we discuss about GBV.

“Then second month we discuss about power dynamics in the house, then lastly we talk about HIV and AIDS,” said Banda.

Chipo Jongoro, Katswe Sistahood Field Officer, revealed that the programme had four phases and along with NAC, they are implementing it in Mbire District five Wards 2, 3, 4, 11 and 12.

“In Ward 2 and 3, it is in the Action Phase, which is the last phase of the project where we are looking to say when the project is done, what shall happen, who will remain to see that the project continues.

“So we are working with several government departments, like Ministry of Youth, Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Health and we are also working with traditional leaders, church leaders and youths and women who have influence in the community so that when the project they will continue to talk about GBV and HIV issues.

“Our main aim as SASA is we are looking at women and young women who are facing abuse, linking them to get health services or getting help when they want to get report issues,” said Jongoro.

Edgar Muzulu, Provincial Manager for NAC in Mashonaland Central, said GBV was one of our key drivers of HIV so they were making use of the SASA approach, which is a model meant to bring about transformation in terms of how people relate, how people view their own norms and values.

“So it is transformative in nature in terms of how people look at what is valuable and in terms of traditional practices.

“You will find out that traditionally in a setting like Shamva, there was actually valuing those traditions like chiramu, kugara nhaka and so forth, which were some of the causes how HIV spreads.

“So you will find that because of the education, it actually focuses on traditional leaders, influential leaders, religious leaders and the approach seeks to make people introspect and relook at how they are living and see which are the practices which are wrong, which are in the negative, which need to be addressed,” said Muzulu.

He added that with the SASA model, people are equipped with skills of trying to raise awareness amongst themselves and they are also given skills of how to respond, how to encourage each other to avoid such practices.

Muzulu further added that they had noticed some positive outcomes as a result of the SASA model which is currently being employed in Shamva, in Bindura District under the Global Fund and in Mbire District under a Social Contracting Arrangement.

And during the week long NAC Media Tour, journalists managed to see and hear how SASA had changed lives, testament that this Uganda borrowed initiative, can also work well in Zimbabwe.

UNFPA, Zim Cricket collaborate to fight GBV

**UNFPA Representative, Ms Miranda Tabifor and Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director,** **Givemore** **Makoni**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) will collaborate with the Zimbabwe Cricket to raise awareness on Gender Based Violence and all other forms of violence women and girls.

This partnership will bank on the huge following for cricket as well as having players serve as role models on and off the field of play.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding on Friday in Harare; UNFPA Representative Miranda Tabifor described the partnership as a landmark event.

“We know how the nation loves cricket and the cricket players serve as models within the society and we believe that through this partnership and the influence and the power that they have in the community; we are going to advance the good cause of reducing Gender Based Violence in Zimbabwe,” said Tabifor.

Added Tabifor: “indeed today is a historic day, for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), it is historic for us because it is a great pleasure for us to proceed in this landmark signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding with Zimbabwe Cricket Association.

“It is a framework and collaboration to strengthen awareness raising on issues of Gender Based Violence and all other forms of violence against women, including to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights of the women and young people in Zimbabwe.

“The partnership with Zimbabwe Cricket Association is pivotal to UNFPA’s Strategic Plan 2022-2025, which notes that; I quote: UNFPA will expand its multi-stakeholder partnerships and innovative collaborations for impact.

“It also notes that organisations, associations and initiatives are essential to the achievement of the Program of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals.

“The partnership is an accelerator in achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reducing maternal mortality including within the framework of UNFPA support to the Government of Zimbabwe under the 8th Country Programme of Cooperation.”

**Ms Miranda Tabifor and Givermore Makoni sign the MOU**

Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director, Givemore Makoni, said they were elated to be part of the MOU, as it was their first with any UN agency.

“It gives us an opportunity to play our role to not only promoting the girl child to play better cricket on the field, but also to support, raise awareness that will help to protect the girl child off the field of play.

“This cooperation marks the beginning of a great relationship that will see Zimbabwe Cricket contributing to raising awareness on the ills of Gender Based Violence.

“The partnership also demonstrates the Zimbabwe Cricket desire to become the number 1 sport in the country.

“For without the support, participation and inclusion of women and girls, this strategic objective will not be realised.

“We also appreciate that this partnership, though primarily aimed at supporting the female and girl child, will also require engaging men and boys to raise awareness on positive masculinity and the positives it brings in ending violence against women and girls.

“With its huge following nationwide of cricket lovers especially men and boys, the potential for Zimbabwe Cricket Association is huge.

“This presence a chance for the cricket players who are role models in society to use their fame and influence for a good cause,” said Makoni.

Gender Based Violence is a huge problem in Zimbabwe as it is reported that 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, hence efforts of such partnerships aimed at ending the vice are well appreciated.

Safe Shelters and One Stop Centres to fight GBV

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

The Government has put in place Safe Shelters and One Stop Centres that provide comprehensive Gender Based Violence (GBV) services to women across the country, Vice President Colonel (RTD) Kembo Mohadi has said.

VP Mohadi revealed this at the High-Level Women in Leadership Summit which was hosted by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, in Harare last week.

The two day summit ran under the theme; “Accelerating Gender Parity through Collective Action: Strengthening Accountability and Solidarity to Transform Policies into Tangible Progress.”

VP Mohadi said the Safe Shelters and One Stop Centres were necessary as the country deals with the GBV vice which continues to mar the developments which have been made to increase women’s participation in public life.

“While all the above interventions are in place, the Government is alive to the challenges posed by Gender Based Violence in our society.

“In response, the Government developed the High Level Political Compact on ending Gender Based Violence and harmful Practices, which the President acceded to, together with other progressive partners.

“In addition, laws and policies have been reviewed to align them with the new developments in the policy environment.

“These include the marriages Act Ch.5.17, Section 70 of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act, as well as the Public Service Sexual Harassment Policy.

“Additionally, the Government has put in place Safe Shelters and One Stop Centres that provide comprehensive Gender Based Violence services to women across the country,” said VP Mohadi.

In his solidarity message at the summit, Edward Kallon, UN Resident Coordinator, said it was necessary to continue fighting GBV as it prevents women from reaching their full potential.

“Gender-Based Violence is a significant barrier to women’s entry into and advancement within leadership roles.

“It creates a hostile environment that undermines their confidence, restricts their opportunities, and perpetuates gender inequality.

“Addressing GBV is crucial to enabling women to step into leadership roles. UNFPA’s comprehensive approach to combating GBV, from policy advocacy to survivor support, plays a key role in breaking down the barriers that limit women’s leadership potential,” said Kallon.

He also revealed that by creating safer, more supportive environments, UNFPA helps pave the way for women to take on leadership roles across all sectors of society.

“We must also double our efforts in addressing obstacles to women in leadership and political participation.

“The UN General Assembly Resolution 66/130 of 2012 should be our collective rallying point. The UN Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women (UN-Women) is leading the UN effort to promote gender equality and empowerment of women with support from the UNDP and other Agencies, Funds and Programmes.

“The UN entities are working together to support the government to develop the third National Gender Policy.

“We have also collectively worked together in the development of a Women in Decision Making and Leadership National Strategy. “While we do not have all the answers as the UN, we will continue working with the Government of Zimbabwe and its people to achieve your desire for reaching gender parity in all spheres of development.”