By Staff Writer
THE European Union (EU) has commended the high level of collaboration forged during the Spotlight Initiative roll out amid remarks that if such partnerships are sustained Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Zimbabwe can be easily tackled.
The Spotlight Initiative was a global partnership to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, and being implemented by UNDP, UN Women, UNFPA, UNESCO, UNICEF and the ILO in Zimbabwe.
The programme is an integrated package of interventions across six (6) pillars which are: 1) legislative and policy frameworks; 2) institutional strengthening; 3) prevention and social norms; 4) delivery of quality essential services; 5) data availability and capacities and 6) supporting the women’s movement.
Speaking to delegates on the occasion to mark the end of the Spotlight Initiative, Head of the EU delegation to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Jobst Von Kirchmann said partnerships have a far reaching impact.
“The initiative has been a shining example of what collaboration and partnership can achieve in the fight against GBV. It’s heartening to see the collective efforts of the Government of Zimbabwe, civil society organizations, including Community-Based Organizations, and the private sector.
“Together, through its six pillars, the Initiative addressed various facets of GBV, promoting accountability and an environment conducive to change,” said.
The top envoy underscored that partnerships were at the core of this initiative.
He said six UN agencies joined forces, promoting a unified approach that magnified our impact highlighting that such teamwork didn’t just tackle GBV; as it laid the groundwork for ongoing discussions on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“It’s a dialogue that continues, engaging communities, including men, to craft grassroots, community-based solutions to combat GBV.
“This collaborative approach, involving various stakeholders, has been key to our success and will continue to drive sustained dialogue on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE),” he said.
Von Kirchmann said the EU remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment as testified by the fact that globally, through collaboration with the UN, the Western bloc has invested EURO 500 million to create a fund dedicated to eliminating violence against women and girls.
Specifically, he said, EURO 250 million was allocated to eight African countries, including Zimbabwe, focusing on eliminating sexual and gender-based violence, harmful practices, and addressing related aspects of sexual and reproductive health and rights.
He said violence against women and girls is a pervasive injustice affecting all societies and revealed that the EU’s collective goal is to start a global movement that ends all forms of violence against them.
“Under the Team Europe Initiative, the EU, its Member States, and Switzerland will continue supporting the Government of Zimbabwe in its commitment to achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment outlined in the Constitution and the National Development Strategy I.
“It’s clear: GBV is a grave violation of human rights and a significant hurdle in achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment. For the EU, gender equality isn’t negotiable; it’s fundamental.
“This principle resonates deeply within the founding values of our Union and echoes Zimbabwe’s own commitment,” he added.
