Story by Theophilus Chuma
The European Union has mobilised a US$300 million funding to boost current efforts to end gender-based violence (GBV) in Zimbabwe.
A bold messages clearly denouncing a vice that is tearing through the social fabric became the common position for over 100 men and women who embarked on an awareness campaign against gender-based violence in Harare this Wednesday.
The HeforShe march, meant to champion gender equality and women rights, is one of the interventions being implemented by global partners to curb the menace of domestic violence.
On the sidelines of the solidarity march, the European Union stated it has mobilised funds to support government programmes to ending GBV.
“We are working with the government to ensure that gender based violence issues are effectively addressed. This is why we have come up with a funding model to the tune of US$300 million which will be used to support GBV awareness programmes in Zimbabwe,” said European Union Ambassador, Jobst von Kirchmann.
Government has implemented various strategies to ending gender-based violence, including stringent legislation such as the Marriage Act of 2022 which outlawed the exploitation of children through early marriages.
“Ending gender-based violence is top priority for government. We continue to work in communities to raise awareness against domestic violence while also amplifying that cases are reported through one stop centres,” said the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa.
The collaboration with global partners will extend to unlocking potential for girls and women.
“The funding will help to create empowerment opportunities for girls and women in Zimbabwe. We are looking to create sustained gender equity and development,” said Canada Envoy to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Adler Aristide.
For every step taken, and every voice raised, the common factor is to help bring down gender-based violence, with officials saying at least 40% of women have been subjected to physical violence.
