16 Days of Activism against GBV launched
EFFECTIVE strategies must be used to prevent gender-based violence with Government committed to working with development partners and other stakeholders to come up with the needed investment strategies.
With one in every three women experiencing physical or sexual violence at one point in their lives, GBV remains one of the most prevalent forms of human rights violations globally.
Speaking at the official launch of the campaign for 16 Days of Activism Against GBV yesterday, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Monica Mutsvangwa said investing in GBV prevention was an investment in the well-being and empowerment of individuals and communities.
“It enables the implementation of comprehensive strategies encompassing prevention, survivor support, education, advocacy, and policy reform. In addition, it sends a resounding message of society’s commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals as well as signifying a collective acknowledgement that violence has no place in our communities, and everyone deserves a safe and valued environment,” she said.
The launch of the campaign preceded the commemorations of the 16 Days of activism which are marked between November 25 to December 10 every year.
This year, the campaign will run under the theme “Unite! Investing to prevent violence against women and girls.” The central campaign commemoration will be held in Mutasa District on November 26.
Minister Mutsvangwa said integrating a gender perspective into the budget process could ensure that funds were used efficiently and effectively to promote equitable outcomes for all members of society, which contributed towards the prevention of GBV.
“Gender responsive budgeting operates on the fundamental principle that gender equality is not just a matter of social justice but also a catalyst for economic growth and sustainable development,” she added.
She called for the inclusion of men and boys in addressing GBV seeing that it was being perpetrated by both men and women.
Government has been working with various organisations and Governments of countries such as Canada, Sweden, the European Union, among others, to implement programmes aimed at addressing the scourge of GBV.
These include the establishment of One-Stop centres in Rusape, Gweru, Gwanda, Bindura, Chinhoyi and Bulawayo to provide comprehensive GBV services under one roof.
Safe shelters have also been set up while GBV surviviors have benefitted from economic empowerment programmes.
“It is crucial that as we commemorate the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence, we take stock, reflect and devise strategies on how we can further address the problem of gender based violence with the hope to end it in all its forms,” said Minister Mutsvangwa. ◆ Full story: www.herald.co.zw