AN alarming 42,5% of Zimbabwean women have experienced gender-based violence (GBV) at the hands of people closest to them, with almost one in every two women having been affected, the EU ambassador to Zimbabwe, Jobst von Kirchmann, has said.
Speaking during the HeForShe march held in Harare yesterday, Von Kirchmann said GBV had no place in homes, workplaces, communities and public spaces.
He pledged the EU’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwean women and girls to fight violence and intimidation, as well as ensuring that men and boys are serious supporters of gender equality and empowerment.
The EU, also identified as Team Europe representing European countries accredited to Zimbabwe, has pumped in more than €300 million for the period 2021 to 2027, supporting critical programmes that empower women, engage men and boys and strengthen national efforts to end GBV.
“Team Europe has shown that solidarity and collaboration are the keys to creating lasting change. This commitment continues to inspire us all,” he said.
The HeForShe movement, which was launched by UN Women in 2014, calls on men and boys to join the fight for gender equality — not as bystanders, but as active partners and advocates.
“Men, I want to speak directly to you. We need to do better. Most cases of GBV are caused by men and this must stop,” Von Kirchmann said.
“Let’s start by treating women and girls with dignity and respect, by listening to their voices, valuing their contributions and standing up against violence wherever we see it.
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“Let’s be role models for the boys and young men in our lives. Together, we can break the cycle of violence.”
Addressing the same gathering, Women Affairs, Community Development, Small and Medium Enterprise Development minister Monica Mutsvangwa said engagement of males was a collective journey towards achieving gender equality and ending GBV.
“Gender-based violence is a pervasive issue that requires the active participation of all individuals, particularly men and boys,” she said.
Mutsvangwa said the HeForShe movement served as clear evidence that they are making significant strides forward in seeking to end GBV.
“Our progress is characterised by 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,” she said.
“Government has committed to ending GBV by officially launching the first-ever High-Level Political Compact on Ending Gender-Based Violence and Harmful Practices (2021-2030) and 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,” she said.
“We thus sought to specifically foster dialogue on ending GBV in public spaces as a call to confront the harsh realities that women and girls face in public spaces.
“We strive to create safe working environments for everyone, especially women and girls, my ministry is partnering local authorities to establish secure workspaces and markets for women entrepreneurs and SMEs throughout the country.”
