GBV case management project launched
A NEW case-management programme for gender-based violence, backed by Japan, has been launched by Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Senator Monica Mutsvangwa.
With growing reports of violence against women, the new Takeda project focuses on increased support to survivors of gender based violence through quality case management in five countries, including Zimbabwe.
GBV remains a top priority for the Government of Zimbabwe so as to empower women and girls, uphold their rights, promote access to quality multi-sectoral services, and engage communities for positive change in social norms.
Speaking in Harare on Monday, Minister Mutsvangwa said the Takeda project came at the right time considering the high number of cases of GBV.
“The Takeda project is particularly welcome not least because over the past few years, since the outbreak of Covid 19, we have witnessed a worrisome trend of the increased incidence of gender-based violence in our country. This timely project will thus aide in the push-back against the resurgence of GBV among our citizens,” she said.
“This gesture of friendship from the government of Japan will undoubtedly create resilient women, and in turn resilient societies, free from the oppressive scourge of GBV. In the same breath, I want to recognise the role that our partners have played in strengthening our response in our efforts to ending GBV in particular, and accelerating women empowerment in general.
“Of note is the UNFPA, along with the other UN agencies, who continue to assist with setting up supporting pillars that enhance our responses, leaving a lasting and positive impact for women in Zimbabwe.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said there was need to put in place a defined GBV case management system which would ensure holistic support for survivors so they heal and rebuild their lives more effectively, with coordinated efforts leading to better outcomes for survivors as well as preventing duplication of services and ensuring efficient resource use.
Minister Mutsvangwa commended Japan for its support towards Zimbabwe as it has been instrumental in helping in fighting against GBV.
“I am humbled by the fact that Zimbabwe is one of five countries that are part of this project, together with Indonesia, El Salvador, Azerbaijan and Madagascar. Indeed, Japan has been a long-time friend and ally to our country, specifically in our gender-based violence prevention and response initiatives,” she said.
“You may be aware that Japan has also rendered support towards the construction of the Mpilo One-Stop Centre through Family Support Trust, and this OSC has since been handed over to my Ministry. Last year we officially commissioned the Epworth GBV Services Centre which was constructed with support from Japan through Katswe.
“I am also aware that one of the structures at Rozaria Memorial Trust in Murewa was constructed with support from Japan. It is also key to note that Japan has supported us in our work in responding to GBV in emergencies through mobile one-stop centres as well as procurement of rape kits for our district and provincial hospitals.”
Permanent secretary in the Ministry Dr Mavis Sibanda urged victims of gender-based violence to speak out.
“Many a times survivors choose not to report as they feel their cases are not dealt with to finality and to their satisfaction,” she said. “We urge you to take a stand against this terrible disease. Let us improve the lives of women and girls affected by gender based violence. I believe if we put our hands together we can fight this.”
Dr Sibanda urged stakeholders to come together in the fight against gender-based violence.
“The project seeks to mitigate the risk of ongoing gender based violence. We urge all stakeholders to take part in the prevention of GBV as it takes all of us to beat this. This will facilitate increased quality and coverage of case management,” she said.