SWEDISH ambassador to Zimbabwe Per Lindgarde says the European Union has allocated €7 million to fight gender-based violence.
Speaking at a 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence event at Anglican Church in Chinhoyi last week, Lindgarde said the EU was committed to working with the government, civil society organisations like the Musasa Project and communities across the country to end GBV.
“Together, we have developed plans like the High-Level Political Compact on Ending GBV and Harmful Practices and the National Strategy to End GBV. To continue supporting this important work, the EU has allocated €7 million towards these efforts,” he said.
Lindgarde said the numbers of women and girls murdered by their intimate partners were alarming.
“GBV is not normal and is not acceptable. It is a crime and a serious human rights violation. The numbers are alarming. Between January and June this year, 35 women in Zimbabwe were murdered by their intimate partners — men who were suppose to love and protect them,” he said.
Lindgarde said the Musasa Project, supported by the EU, had handled over 33 000 GBV cases this year alone.
He encouraged men, who are mainly perpetrators, to change their behaviours and attitudes.
This year the 16 days campaign against gender-based violence was commemorated under the theme: “Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls”.
