By Staff Reporter
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa says he will not tolerate any formof gender based violence (GBV) during his reign.
He made the remarks at the launch of the High-Level Political Compact on Ending Gender-Based Violence and Harmful Practices, an event that also marked the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
This year’s commemorations are running under the theme “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls”, which the President described as a timely reminder for the nation to reflect on the achievements made to date and the tasks that remain outstanding in pursuit of gender equality.
“Let us build on the progress we have made, honour the commitments we have pledged and remain steadfast in our shared vision for a united, harmonious, peaceful and equitable Zimbabwe,” he said.
“Under the Second Republic, we are creating a society where all the people of our motherland, Zimbabwe, can live in peace and with dignity, while being free from fear and harm. There is no turning back on this journey.”
This year’s theme, he said, underscores the need to confront emerging forms of violence, including online abuse, while reinforcing efforts to safeguard the rights of women, girls and children.
Although significant strides have been made in addressing GBV, he stressed that more still needed to be done.
The launch of the High-Level Political Compact, he added, demonstrated the need for a coordinated, whole-of-government and society approach to address the scourge.
“The launch of the High-Level Political Compact on Ending Gender-Based Violence and Harmful Practices signalled my Government’s recognition of the importance of a coordinated approach in addressing gender-based violence,” said the President.
“We are determined to realise an environment that is just and free of gender-based violence in our country, where every woman, man, girl or boy can enjoy fulfilling lives without fear of violence.
“To this end, my Government has established and ensured the requisite legal and policy frameworks towards the prevention and deterrence of gender-based violence.”
He highlighted various Government ackling GBV and harmful practices.
These include the National Gender-Based Violence Response and Prevention Strategy, which promotes a multi-sectoral approach to support services.
The Women in Leadership and Decision-Making Strategy, which will be operationalised soon, is envisaged to increase women’s participation in leadership and prevent violence in political spaces.
“Further, the National Gender-Based Violence Response and Prevention Strategy provides a multi-sectoral approach to GBV-related support services. The High-Level Political Compact, policies and frameworks are all aligned to our national development strategies, towards the realisation of Vision 2030. The Women in Leadership and Decision-Making Strategy will be operationalised to increase women’s participation in leadership and decision-making, as well as the prevention of violence in political spaces.”
All these initiatives, he said, were meant to ensure that the scourge of violence was dealt with collectively.
President Mnangagwa urged all Government ministries, departments and agencies to continue mainstreaming gender considerations in their programmes and service delivery.
The Ministry of Women Affairs, traditional leaders, religious institutions, communities and development partners were commended for supporting national efforts to end GBV and harmful practices.
“I urge all ministries, departments and agencies to continue mainstreaming gender in their programming and service delivery towards fostering a gender-based violence-free culture in the workplace, as well as raise awareness about the scourge and impact of GBV,” he said.
Despite the gains made so far, new drivers of GBV such as drug and substance abuse were emerging and require sustained attention, President Mnangagwa also said.
“While overall progress made to date is commendable, more work still needs to be done, more so given the ever-shifting causes and drivers of the scourge such as drug and substance abuse,” he said.
“In all our activities and programmes, we must remain guided by our shared national development philosophy, ‘Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatirwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, ngabanikazi balo’.
“Each and every one of us has a critical role to play to end gender-based violence and harmful practices in Zimbabwe.
“During the 16 days of Activism and beyond, I encourage us all to engage in honest dialogue and to continue speaking out and taking action.”
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence run from November 25 to December 10 and form part of global efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls.
