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The vital role of male engagement in the collective journey towards achieving gender equality and ending Gender Based Violence (GBV) can not be overemphasized.
This was revealed in the Key Note address by the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Hon. Senator Monica Mutsvangwa at the HeForShe Solidarity March Against Gender-Based Violence today 29 January 2025 in Harare.
“Indeed, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), is a pervasive issue that requires the active participation of all individuals, particularly men and boys. By joining forces, we can overcome and eradicate the root causes of gender inequality, and redefine harmful notions of masculinity that perpetuate violence and gender inequality.
“This initiative is taking place within the framework of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, a global movement dedicated to challenging and raising awareness about the devastating impact of GBV in our communities. While 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is normally celebrated each year, from November 25 to December 10, conducting this initiative today reflects our understanding that the fight against GBV is not confined to a specific timeframe; it is a year-round endeavour that requires sustained action, awareness, and advocacy beyond the 16 Days of Activism,” Hon Mutsvangwa said.
She said the year 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women (Beijing 1995) and the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was a landmark document adopted during the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing, China, in 1995. It provides an ambitious roadmap for achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment, covering 12 critical areas relating to equal access to education and Training, health, addressing Gender-Based Violence, the economy, Power and Decision-Making, Media, and the environment among others.
This event served as one of the commemorative activities of the Beijing +30 Campaign following Zimbabwe’s launch of the campaign on the 9th of December 2024. The Minister said Beijing +30 commemorative activities are not just events but are a moment of reflection on the strides the country has made in the realization of the targets set in this global agenda.
There are comprehensive legislative reforms and proactive policies that aim to create a more equitable society including the promulgation of progressive laws and policies with specific provisions seeking to end GBV.
In 2021, the GoZ committed itself to ending GBV by officially launching the first-ever High-Level Political Compact (HLPC) on Ending Gender-Based Violence and Harmful Practices (2021-2030) which was signed and launched by His Excellency the President, Comrade Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa together with other development partners here today as a demonstration of political commitment to eliminate violence against women and girls in Zimbabwe.
Several administrative and programmatic measures have also been put in place which include the Establishment of Community-based shelters and One-stop centres for the provision of multi-sectoral GBV services in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
Notwithstanding the progress challenges remain. The Country experiences a high prevalence of GBV in all its forms namely; domestic violence, child sexual abuse, forced child marriages, sexual harassment and exploitation in workplaces, trafficking in persons, GBV in humanitarian crises, online abuse, and GBV in public spaces.
In his address during the same occasion, His Excellency Mr. Edward Kallon, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Zimbabwe, said by engaging men and boys as allies and advocates, stakeholders have been able to challenge patriarchal norms, promote positive masculinity, and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women and girls.
“Today, we gather with a shared purpose and a united voice to stand against gender-based violence. This march is a powerful statement of our collective commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in Zimbabwe.
“Gender-based violence is a pervasive issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a violation of human rights and a barrier to achieving gender equality. As we march today, we honour the survivors and remember those who have lost their lives to this scourge. We also reaffirm our dedication to creating a safer, more just world for all,” HE Kallon said.
He thanked the European Union Ambassador, His Excellency Jobst von Kirchmann, for his unwavering dedication and leadership as the Chair of the #HeForShe Movement. Under his guidance, stakeholders have made significant strides in raising awareness and mobilizing action against gender-based violence. His contributions have been invaluable.
The Canadian Ambassador, His Excellency Adler Aristide is the incoming Chair of the #HeForShe Movement in Zimbabwe.
“We are confident that under his leadership, we will continue to build on our successes and drive forward the mission of #HeForShe with enhanced vigour and determination. Today, we have marched with purpose and passion. We acknowledge in the same vein a significant milestone in our collective journey towards gender equality, the commemoration of 30 years since the historic 4th World Conference on Women in Beijing. We reaffirm our commitment to the principles of equality, justice, and human rights set out in Beijing,” HE Kallon added.
