Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa
By George Swarei
Harare, Zimbabwe – November 25, 2024
Zimbabwe has joined the global community to mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an international campaign observed annually from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day). The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, led the nation in reaffirming its commitment to ending gender-based violence (GBV) and empowering women and girls.
The 2024 campaign, themed “Towards 30 Years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls”, calls on nations to reflect on progress since the landmark 1995 Beijing Declaration and to intensify efforts towards gender equality and the elimination of violence.
Since adopting the Beijing Declaration, Zimbabwe has made significant strides in gender equality through progressive legislation and initiatives aimed at combating GBV. Key achievements include the promulgation of the Domestic Violence Act (2007), the Marriages Act (2022), and the launch of the Zimbabwe National Strategy to Prevent and Address GBV (2023–2030). Moreover, the establishment of community shelters, one-stop centers, and GBV call centers reflects a commitment to providing accessible support services for survivors.
However, challenges persist. The prevalence of GBV in various forms—domestic violence, child marriages, sexual harassment, trafficking, and online abuse—continues to threaten societal cohesion. Social and religious norms that perpetuate harmful stereotypes and normalize violence further exacerbate the issue. Senator Mutsvangwa also acknowledged a troubling increase in GBV perpetrated by women against men, underscoring the need for a gender-neutral approach to eradicating violence in all its forms.
Globally, GBV remains a pervasive issue. According to UN Women, 1 in 3 women experiences physical or sexual violence in her lifetime. While some countries have implemented robust frameworks to address GBV, others struggle with systemic gaps in legislation, funding, and societal attitudes. For instance, nations like Sweden and Canada have integrated gender equality into their core policies, leading to progressive changes. Conversely, in many parts of Africa and Asia, entrenched patriarchal norms and resource constraints hinder comprehensive action.
Zimbabwe’s emphasis on the multi-sectoral approach aligns with international best practices. Collaboration among stakeholders—government, civil society, private sector, and communities—is critical to tackling GBV comprehensively. The country’s commitment to the Beijing Declaration and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) mirrors efforts in other nations striving for accountability and progress.
Minister Mutsvangwa emphasized the need for a whole-of-society approach to eliminate GBV. She urged stakeholders to:
Strengthen laws and policies, ensuring alignment with international frameworks.
Increase funding for GBV prevention and support services.
Foster education programs that challenge harmful norms and empower women and girls.
Engage men and boys to redefine masculinity and promote equality.
“As the Government, we remain committed to ending gender-based violence in all its forms. Together, we can do more,” the Minister stated.
The national launch of the 16 Days of Activism will take place on November 27 at Mawabeni Primary School in Umzingwane District, Matabeleland South Province. Activities include the opening of the Mpilo One-Stop Centre, solidarity marches, and discussions on funding for GBV initiatives.
The campaign serves as a reminder that ending GBV requires collective action and sustained commitment. As Zimbabwe joins the global community in this cause, it calls on every individual to foster a culture of respect and dignity, ensuring a future free from violence.
