Minister Mutsvangwa officiated at the Official Opening of the Zivo/Ulwazi Feminist Hub, Rosaria Memorial Trust, Murehwa on the 28 September 2023.
Read her remarks below:
I am greatly honoured to officiate at this important occasion where we are witnessing the official opening of the Rosaria Memorial Trust (RMT) Feminist knowledge Hub.
At the onset let me applaud the work that was done by RMT in the establishment of this Centre which is set to become an outstanding one stop information centre in Murehwa for women and girls wanting to access knowledge on empowerment, Gender Based Violence, Sexual and reproductive health and any other information that concern them.
Ladies and gentlemen allow me to express my gratitude to UN Women and the European Union who under the Spotlight Initiative Programme have partnered with local Civil Society Organisations and supported the establishment of these knowledge hubs in four centres namely Bindura, Bulawayo, Harare and this one we are set to open today here in Murehwa. These hubs will go a long way in ensuring that our women and girls have adequate information on issues that affect them.
Ladies and gentlemen information is key to promoting the empowerment of any society. Women and girls cannot claim their rights if they do not have knowledge of what those rights are. They cannot seek protection from abuse if they are not aware of what constitutes abuse. As such this centre stands out as a milestone development in terms of information dissemination in Murehwa and in other areas where they have been established.
These knowledge hubs will be crucial as they provide a comprehensive and integrated platform for all individuals and organizations to access and share knowledge related to Violence against Women and Girls and they will provide an easy access to evidence-based research, best practices, and resources to advance gender equality and promote women’s empowerment.
Let me also reiterate that the Government of Zimbabwe remains committed to addressing the problem of Gender Based Violence and Harmful Practices. At National level the government has created an enabling environment for preventing and responding to this scourge.
In 2013 the Government adopted a Constitution which provides for eradication of violence against women and girls, Section 25 and Section 52, provides for the Government to put in place mechanisms to respond to GBV as well as outlawing marriage of children below the age of 18 years.
The Domestic Violence Act (2007) was put in place to address domestic violence in all its forms. Government has demonstrated its commitment towards ending GBV and Harmful Practices through the signing of the High Level Political Compact on 27 October 2021 by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and other high level stakeholders who include Development Agencies, UN Agencies, Civil Society Organisations, Traditional Leaders and Religious Leaders.
The compact is a recommitment from the highest office towards the elimination of Gender Based Violence and Harmful Practices.
The work that we are witnessing today is complementing efforts by government to eradicate violence against women and girls. I am very much excited to learn that these hubs will provide a safe space for women and girls to discuss matters that affect them in everyday life.
In addition they are also being equipped with computer skills which enhances their chances of gaining access to information through the various online platforms. Of late women and girls have been lagging behind I terms of technology and access to digital information but this gap is now set to be addressed through these knowledge hubs.
The Ministry looks up to enhanced uptake of GBV services by women and girls through the information obtained from these knowledge hubs. We also anticipate to see another increase in women empowerment services and in more women taking up empowerment opportunities in the various sectors which is key to reducing Gender Based Violence.
I want to call upon all stakehoders to complement this good work by providing services to women and girls whenever such are needed.
I want to call upon all our partners to take a proactive role in the fight against Gender Based Violence and Harmful practices by complementing the work that has been done by Rosaria Memorial Trust through prevention and service provision towards survivors of GBV and Harmful Practices. It is imperative that our partners assist in establishing similar centres across the length and breadth of country covering all Districts and Provinces.
With these remarks, I declare the Rosaria Memorial Trust officially opened.
