Zimbabwe’s government has pledged to eradicate gender-based violence (GBV) from its society, as cases of abuse against women and girls have increased during the pandemic.
According to a report by New Zimbabwe, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said on Wednesday that more needs to be done to achieve genuine gender equality and justice for all. He said the government has implemented programmes to combat GBV through prevention, response and support services, and has also enacted legislative reforms to address issues such as child marriages, sexual violence and access to justice.
“Our unwavering support commitment remains to protect the rights and safety of women and girls. Nonetheless, our mission is ongoing. There is still much to be accomplished to ensure the complete realisation and reference of women’s rights,” Ziyambi said. He added that the government is collaborating with civil society organisations and international partners to strengthen its initiatives and amplify its influence in advancing women’s rights.
“I implore everyone to join us in this crucial endeavour. Only through collective effort and unwavering commitment can we achieve genuine gender equality and justice for all,” he said.
Shocking statistics
Based on the 2019 Zimbabwe Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, 39.4 percent of women aged 15-49 experience physical violence at least once in their lifetime, while 11.6 percent experience sexual violence.
One in three women between the ages of 20-49 were reportedly married before they turned 18, exposing them to the risk of early pregnancy, maternal mortality and domestic abuse.
The situation has worsened during the Covid-19 lockdowns, as many women and girls were confined with their abusers and faced economic hardships, social isolation and limited access to health and legal services.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police reported that 5,507 cases of rape were recorded in 2020, a 9.2 percent increase from 2019. Of these, 4,338 cases involved girls under the age of 18.
The police also said that 1,960 cases of domestic violence were reported in the first quarter of 2021, a 35 percent increase from the same period last year.
Legal measures
Ziyambi said the government has taken several legal measures to fight violence against women and girls, including the criminalisation of child marriages through the Marriages Act, which was passed in 2020.
He said the government is also pushing for legislative reforms to criminalise sexual activity with a child under the age of 18, and to align the laws with the constitution and international conventions on women’s rights.
The government has established specialised courts and support services to provide victims of GBV with the necessary resources and assistance to seek justice.
He stated that the government is investing in prevention of GBV by addressing the underlying causes of violence, such as poverty, inequality, harmful cultural practices and patriarchal norms.
This year’s theme for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign is “Unite, Invest in Prevention of Violence against Women and Girls”, which emphasises a comprehensive approach by the government, stakeholders and society at large in preventing GBV.
The government is committed to this theme and will continue to work towards a GBV-free society, where women and girls can live freely from the fear of violence and exploitation.
