Stakeholders Come Together to Act Against Gender-Based Violence

27 November 2024, Mzingwane – The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence was launched today under the global theme “Come Together, Act Now.” The event was led by the Honorable Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, and Dr. Evelyn Ndlovu, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution.

The national launch brought together national and international partners, as well as representatives from women’s movements, traditional leaders, local authorities and youth groups, persons with disabilities, media, and representatives of the private sector.

At the launch, UN Women Representative Ms. Fatou Lo in her message highlighted the importance of reflection, action, and hope in combating violence against women and girls. She shared the empowering story of Gugulethu Nkomo, a 45-year-old from Matobo Village. Gugulethu overcame years of domestic abuse with support from community-based Gender Champions under the Spotlight Initiative funded by the European Union and implemented by the UN in support of the Government of Zimbabwe. Her transformation from victim to advocate emphasizes the essential role of accessible support services for survivors.

The event reiterated the United Nations’ dedication to eradicating violence against women, supported by key resolutions and international declarations like UN Resolution 1325 and the Beijing Declaration. These frameworks call for creating safe environments where women can live without fear of violence, a vision echoed by Zimbabwe’s recent legislative advances in addressing gender-based violence.

Ms. Lo highlighted Zimbabwe’s efforts, noting significant policy developments aimed at prevention and response to such violence. She also called for ongoing investment and effective policy implementation for tangible outcomes.

Citing the UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s message that the right policies and programmes bring results, Ms. Lo called on policymakers and partners for long-term strategies to tackle the root causes of violence while strengthening women’s rights movements. She pointed to impactful initiatives like the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative to eliminate violence against women and girls that emphasize legislative enhancements, institutional capacity building, and changing social norms.

Ms. Lo urged stakeholders to strengthen legislation, increase funding, and amplify awareness and education efforts. She underlined the need to turn commitments into actions to establish a society where all women and girls can prosper without fear.

The campaign stretches over 16 days, culminating on Human Rights Day, December 10, emphasizing the connection between ending violence against women and girls and fundamental human rights.

Each year, along with the United Nations Secretary-General’s UNite campaign, the 16 Days of Activism set a universal theme urging stakeholders—from development practitioners to key donors—to combat violence against women through awareness-raising activities.

This annual campaign, observed from November 25 to December 10, coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Human Rights Day.

The 16 Days of Activism calls upon communities to reject violence and champion a future of dignity and respect for all women and girls.