Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
As the world marks 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Zimbabwe has joined the global campaign focusing on survivors’ stories as well as the crucial role of mobile one-stop centers and safe shelters in providing support.
Sitshengisiwe Ngwenya, a GBV survivor from Bubi District, endured five years of physical and verbal abuse from her husband.
With nowhere else to turn, she sought help at a Musasa safe shelter after a brutal assault.
Ngwenya is among the 40 percent of women who have been subjected to physical violence, with an estimated 11.6% having faced sexual violence.
“I came here to seek assistance. This was my last hope because I had tried all avenues including the village head. My husband would physically and verbally assault me even in front of our children for over five years. I got a tip from others about this Musasa safe shelter one day after he had assaulted me. I was in a bad state when I arrived and I was confused, I could not eat or even sleep.
“They took me in. I received counselling to help me cope with the situation. I also got medical care and all the bills were taken care of by Musasa. I also went to the victim friendly unit and they helped me to take my case to court. When they asked what step I wanted to take next, I told them that I needed to leave. I needed them to escort me to take my stuff and my children because I knew if I stayed he would kill me. I didn’t know where I would go after leaving so I am still here at the safe shelter contemplating where I can move as far as possible form him,” she narrated.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa summed up government’s commitment to ending GBV during a statement marking the beginning of 16 Days of Activism.
“Zimbabwe has made remarkable progress in the areas of gender equality and women’s empowerment including the promulgation of progressive laws and policies with specific provisions seeking to end GBV. These include, the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the Domestic Violence Act of 2007, the Mandatory sentencing of rape and aggravated indecent assault, most importantly, in 2021, the GoZ committed itself to ending GBV by officially launching the first-ever High-Level Political Compact (HLPC) on Ending Gender-Based Violence and Harmful Practices (2021-2030) which was signed and launched by His Excellency the President as a demonstration of political commitment to eliminate violence against women and girls and harmful practices in Zimbabwe.
“Some of the administrative and programmatic measures put in place include-; Decentralisation of the Legal Aid Directorate, to provide legal aid to the indigent and special groups, Creation of virtual courts in each of the 10 Provinces in the Country and the introduction of the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS). Establishment of GBV Call Centers and toll-free numbers to enhance accessibility to services by all clients, especially women and children. This programme is particularly spearheaded by the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa and Establishment of Community-based shelters and One Stop Centres for the provision of multi-sectoral GBV services in remote and hard-to-reach areas,” she said.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign will run from this Monday to the 10th of December, with various activities, including the launch of the national commemorations on the 27th of this month at Mawabeni Primary School in Umzingwane District of Matabeleland South Province.
