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Writes Clayton Masekesa
In the shadows of silence and fear, a beacon of hope has emerged for survivors of gender-based violence.
A simple phone call to a dedicated hotline – 575 – the brainchild of the First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa, with her organization, Angel Of Hope Foundation, has become a lifeline for countless individuals seeking refuge from the grip of abuse.
The call centre is housed in her office.
Since its inception, the 575 hotline number, has received thousands of calls, each one a testament to the courage of those who have dared to speak out against their tormentors.
Primrose Maunde (34) of Mutasa district, in Manicaland province, a gender-based violence (GBV) survivor, has found the strength to rebuild her life through the use of the hotline number.
Maunde is among numerous women who have been victims of GBV and survived through the impact of this vital service and the power of a simple phone call to transform lives and create a safer, more compassionate world.
Said First Lady Mnangagwa: “I urge all the women facing GBV in their households to take note and make use of this number, 575, it is a toll-free number.”
She added: “In many cases, l will answer to this call. I invite all to take advantage of this initiative. We will discuss gender-based violence issues on this number. I will tell them what to do and give them the way forward. We want to promote peace and love in households “
Maunde who was trapped in a nightmare of domestic violence with no escape from his abusive husband, is now free and safe.
“He would beat me mercilessly, leaving me with bruises and scars that went far beyond the physical. I felt worthless, alone, and afraid. But one day, I found the courage to call the Gender-Based Violence hotline,” she said.
For Maunde’s call to 575, the voice on the other end was a lifeline, a beacon of hope in her darkest hour.
“The counselor listened to my story, believed me, and offered me support and guidance. She helped me create a safety plan, connected me with a shelter, and even accompanied me to the police station to report my husband’s abuse,” she said.
“With their help, I finally found the strength to leave my husband and start rebuilding my life,” explained Maunde.
“The hotline saved my life, literally. I don’t know where I would be without them. Probably still trapped in that hellhole, or worse, dead. But today, I’m free, I’m strong, and I’m determined to help other women who are going through what I went through. The Gender-Based Violence hotline is more than just a phone number – it’s a symbol of hope, a reminder that we are not alone and that there are people who care,” she added.
Service providers supporting the 575 initiative include the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Victim Friendly Unit, the Adult Rape Clinic, Zaoga for counselling, Musasa Project, Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Padare Men’s Forum, among others.
Precious Taru, the executive director of Musasa Project hopes that the challenges of gender-based violence that her organization has been witnessing will end through the hotline number.
” We are very hopeful that the victims will get help through that number. It will address the challenges of congestion where people struggled to get through to us,” said Taru.
“As Musasa Project, we are very happy and excited to be part of this programme. We shall link every woman who visits us with the national call centre,” she said.
Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa has said the government will continue investing in GBV prevention.
“Investing in GBV will ensure the well-being and empowerment of individuals and communities,” said Mutsvangwa.
“This investment enables the implementation of comprehensive strategies encompassing prevention, survivor support, education, advocacy, and policy reform,” she said.
“In addition, it sends a resounding message of society’s commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals, as well as signifying a collective acknowledgment that violence has no place in our communities and everyone deserves a safe and valued environment,” Mutsvangwa said.
According to UNFPA, one in three women in Zimbabwe has experienced physical violence and one in four women has experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.
As the darkness of gender-based violence continues to cast a shadow over society, there is a beacon of hope shining bright.
The hotline number 575 has become a lifeline for victims, offering a safe and confidential space to share their stories, seek support, and find solace.
Through this simple yet powerful tool, survivors are reclaiming their voices, rediscovering their strength, and rebuilding their lives.