Story by Tarirai Madhuyu

AS part of marking the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the government is working with various development partners and civic organisations to educate various groups on the harmful effects of gender-based violence (GBV).

This Tuesday, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development and various partners descended on public places in Harare, including bus termini, on a GBV awareness campaign, targeting commuters and transport operators.

Commuters and transport operators who spoke to this news crew commended the initiative.

A passenger said, “This year it seems everything is okay, touts are not disturbing us and are treating us quite well, maybe it’s because of the awareness being taken.”

“This time around we are not allowing anyone to disturb our clients, we try by all means to adhere to proper guidelines and procedures from our transport associations,” said Transport operator, Edinah Mutsikwi.

Shamwari Yemwanasikana Director Ekenia Chifamba noted the importance of these partnerships in the fight against the GBV scourge.

“Shamwari YeMwanasikana is a partner with the EU, so we are not tolerating any form of abuse against women. It is also a concern that men are also victimised. Government’s initiatives in dealing with GBV cases are also proving to be helpful,” Chifamba noted.

As part of fighting GBV, the government and its partners are providing therapy to survivors, while GBV one-stop centres have been established in Chitungwiza and Epworth.

“The ministry is encouraging all survivors to visit our one-stop centres for any kind of assistance. We would also want to urge residents to inform or report to the nearest police any suspected case,” Harare Province Development Officer, Earnest Chimboza said.

The 16 days of activism against gender-based violence campaign runs from the 25th of November to the 10th of December every year.