Story by Theophilus Chuma
THE surge in cases of gender-based violence (GBV) has become a major source of worry with official figures revealing more than 30 000 cases are reported in a single year.
From child sexual exploitation to harassment within the workplace, and domestic violence at family level, cases of gender-based violence remain an albatross for authorities.
According to findings by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) at least 33 000 cases of gender based violence were reported in 2022 but there are fears the figures could be more as some cases go unreported.
“Gender based violence remains a critical issue in Zimbabwe. Approximately 40 percent of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner, with 19 percent having suffered such violence in the past 12 months. 1n 2022 alone, over 33 000 cases of GBV were reported across the country. Survivors of GBV are at higher risk of HIV infection due to factors such as forced or coerced sexual intercourse and the inability to negotiate for safe sex practices,” said Ms Philile Masuku- International Labour Organisation (ILO) – Country Director.
Research shows worrying trends of sexual harassment and GBV at the workplace, a trend which is contrasting targets under the International Labour Organisations Convention Number 190 which seeks to address Violence and Harassment at Work.
“We need to intensify focus on GBV within the workplace. There is a lot of injustice within the world of work and usually it’s the victim who continue to suffer at the hands of the perpetrator,” noted Mrs Virginia Muwanigwa- Zimbabwe Gender Commission CEO.
For the next 16 Days until 11 December, gender equality and awareness will be a focal point of discussion as government, gender rights organisations and development partners propel discussions that will strengthen mechanisms for reporting and addressing incidents of violence and harassment.
