Allied Timbers supports fight against GBV
Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
The government has called for more support towards fighting gender-based violence (GBV) to reduce the cases that have reached alarming levels.
The 4th edition of the Allied Timbers 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence commemorations saw female workers at the Manicaland-based company appreciating the strides made in improving safety at workplaces.
One of the attendants said, “The commemorations are an acknowledgement of the importance of women in driving national productivity. It makes us to be proud workers for the company.”
Said another, “We are happy that the company is promoting equality at work and celebrating women.”
“This is an important day to us, as we commemorate gender-based violence against women and girls,” noted another.
The timber firm believes fighting GBV and employing more female workers has improved productivity.
Allied Timbers Vice Chairperson, Professor Maxwell Mutema said, “The organisation has taken a deliberate decision to employ both males and females. It is exciting that some of the females have taken up positions that have been traditionally held by their male counterparts and demonstrated high levels of efficiency. At Allied Timbers Zimbabwe we recognise that gender-based violence is not merely a social issue but a cooperate concern that impacts on our productivity. A safe environment enhances employee’s morale and infectiveness.”
Government is appreciative of the initiative by the state-owned firm, noting the need for more support and investments to prevent violence against women and girls.
Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza said, “The prevalence of GBV is appalling; Reports state that women and girls bear the brunt of GBV with one in every 3 women as survivors of GBV. Of great concern is the increase of incidences of sexual harassment in the workplace. Sexual violence offenses received at Makoni One Stop Centre for this year 2024 so far is 417 for females and 13 for males. In Chipinge, 6 for males and 204 for females. These figures are quite worrisome and they adversely work against Provincial efforts on fighting new HIV infections and discrimination of Women and Girls.”
The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa noted that statistics point to a stark picture, and government is focusing on preventive interventions to address the situation.
“As government, we want to encourage and support investments in prevention, for it is the cornerstone of a lasting change. In Zimbabwe, the statistics paint a stark picture: one in three women bear the scars of violence, while a chilling 38% of murders stem from gender-based aggression. These are not just numbers; they are shattered dreams, silenced voices, and unfulfilled potential. Statistics paint a stark picture: globally, 1 in 3 women has experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey has shown that 42,5% of women have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime in Zimbabwe. For many, this is not merely a statistic but a lived experience,” she said.
Government has come up with various policies and initiatives to fight GBV, including the setting up of One Stop Centres countrywide.
