Story by Theophilus Chuma
GENDER rights experts have raised concern over alarming statistics on gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual offences recorded by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) last year.
The figures show that close to 12 000 convictions were secured from at least 17 000 cases in 2025, underscoring the scale of the crisis affecting women and girls.
The findings come against the backdrop of the 2023–2024 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS), which revealed troubling trends in the welfare of women and girls. According to the survey, at least one in every 11 Zimbabwean women aged between 15 and 49 has experienced sexual violence in her lifetime.
GBV and sexual offences remain a persistent challenge, with cases being reported across the country, raising concerns over the safety of women and children.
Shamwari yeMwanasikana Executive Director, Ms Ekenia Chifamba said child sexual abuse cases remain deeply disturbing and point to urgent gaps in child protection systems.
“An 18-month-old in St Mary’s was raped by her biological father for spiritual rituals. For a child who is that young, the father destroyed her biologically and psychologically,” she said.
She said the child later died, adding that official statistics show thousands of cases are already being recorded this year, with thousands of convictions.
Fathers Against Abuse Executive Director, Elder Alois Nyamaza said harmful cultural beliefs, victim blaming and silence continue to fuel GBV cases.
“We still have cultural practices and beliefs that perpetuate gender-based violence. There is a belief that once a man has paid lobola, he has the right to discipline his wife,” he said.
He added that survivors are often subjected to scrutiny and discouraged from reporting abuse, while perpetrators are not held fully accountable.
UN Women Deputy Country Representative Dr Loveness Makonese said the rise in reported cases may also reflect increased awareness and willingness by survivors to seek help.
“Traditionally, many people did not report cases of gender-based violence. Many survivors were afraid of exposure or repercussions,” she said.
She said improved awareness of rights and available support services is encouraging more survivors to come forward.
Government has introduced several interventions, including One Stop Centres and Victim Friendly Units, to support survivors and improve access to justice.
However, stakeholders say the persistence and scale of GBV cases highlight the need for stronger prevention measures, improved protection systems and continued community awareness to curb the scourge.
