Story by Courage Bushe
The private sector has been called upon to foster safer and more inclusive workplaces in bid to combat gender-based violence (GBV).
As gender-based violence continues to plague communities worldwide, survivors, activists, policy makers, and implementers in the Midlands Province have called for urgent and collaborative action to address the scourge.
“We are happy that we got an opportunity to learn and give solutions to old ways that promote gbv in our communities. This is a good initiative, and we are happy with this initiative,” a community member said.
Another said, “Let’s not mock survivors. Let’s believe in them. If we believe in them, then we will adopt comprehensive and inclusive approaches that tackle root causes.”
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube highlighted steps being taken by the government to address the worrisome trajectory trend.
“We are very concerned about the increasing reported cases of GBV in the province. We have concluded that the majority of cases are a result of drug and substance abuse, while economic factors are also playing a part. We are continuing with awareness campaigns. Preventative practices must be established from the grassroots level. Cultural, religious practices tolerating and leading to GBV must be curbed. Tailor-made programmes for men must be established to influence their perceptions, thoughts, and attitude regarding GBV,” he said.
Gender-based violence remains a critical issue in Zimbabwe with approximately 40 percent of women aged between 15 and 49 having experienced physical and sexual violence by an intimate partner at some point in their life.
