By Brenda Mazhambe
The British Embassy in Harare has partnered with the SIVIO and several local organisations to support a newly established collaborative fund designed to bolster Zimbabwe’s response to the escalating cases of gender-based violence (GBV).
Known as the We Are One (Tiripamwe, Sisonke) Fund, it comes at a critical time when international donor support is waning, threatening the sustainability of life-saving GBV services across the country.
Contributions will be made through a dedicated individual-giving platform, www.weareonefund.org encouraging Zimbabweans to donate from as little as US$10 per month. Whether a multinational, corporate, SME, or individual, the fund offers flexible giving models tailored to varying capacities and philanthropic goals.
Disbursements to GBV shelters and service organisations are expected to begin in early 2026, with the ultimate aim of building a sustainable, homegrown funding model that strengthens Zimbabwe’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to GBV cases.
Speaking to the media recently, Caitlin Spence, the Social Development Adviser at the British Embassy in Harare said the United Kingdom was committed to supporting local solutions to a crisis that continues to reach “disturbing proportions.”
“Gender-based violence is not only a women’s issue; it is a national emergency. Our support for the We Are One Fund reflects our belief that Zimbabwean institutions and communities must be equipped to take the lead in protecting survivors and preventing violence.”
The Embassy also noted that the initiative aligns with global efforts during the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, adding:
“We applaud Zimbabwean organisations stepping up to fill the widening funding gap and we will continue to stand with them in this fight.”
The Director of the Sivi Institute, Dr. Murisa, said the new fund comes at a critical moment as Zimbabwe records increasing rates of GBV while external donors scale back their support.
“We have seen that gender-based violence numbers since COVID-19 have not come down. In fact, GBV cases in Zimbabwe have increased. One in four women will experience gender-based violence of one form or another in their lifetime.”
He noted that most of the organisations providing frontline services — including shelters, legal support and emergency interventions — are operating under severe financial strain.
“Despite the growing number of organisations responding to GBV, they are all facing different challenges. The first challenge is funding. For years, close to 65% to 75% of GBV response funding has come from external donors. But with cuts announced by partners in the Global North, we must rethink our approach.”
Dr. Murisa also cited uncertainty around regulatory changes affecting the registration and operations of GBV-focused organisations, saying this has discouraged some potential funders and slowed down collaboration.
He highlighted the strain on shelters, which he described as a “critical pillar” in the country’s GBV response system.
“Most survivors arrive at shelters with nothing except the clothes they are wearing, sometimes with children. But many shelters have no funding, not enough beds, food or resources to help children continue with school. This is a gap we must urgently address.”
Dr. Murisa emphasised that the We Are One Fund is designed to shift Zimbabwe toward owning and financing its GBV response rather than relying almost entirely on international aid.
An anonymous donor has already pledged US$10,000 in matching funds, doubling each dollar donated until the cap is reached.
“It takes all of us. That’s why we are saying We Are One,” said Dr. Murisa. “This is not a women’s problem; it is a society-wide problem. For years we left this burden to women’s organisations, but men must also be part of the solution.”
“We believe there is a lot we can do collectively. If we pull resources together, we can respond to GBV in a meaningful way,” he added.
Contributions will support a coalition of expert organisations including Emthonjeni Women’s Forum, Musashi, Rozaria Memorial Trust, Shamwari Yemwanasikana, Adult Rape Clinic and many more.
