3 women raped in Bulawayo every week, 66 violated in Matabeleland every month

MINISTER of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, arrived at Mpilo Central Hospital today for the official inauguration of a regional one-stop centre dedicated to supporting victims of gender-based violence (GBV).
The event was met with enthusiasm as she greeted the gathered crowd, who welcomed her with cheers.
In the absence of Bulawayo Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Ncube, Director Simon Saunyama took to the podium to represent him and welcomed the guests.
Mr Saunyama emphasised the significance of the occasion, remarking, “As we commemorate this important provincial event, the city is witnessing a milestone development with the opening of this one-stop centre.”

Highlighting the urgent need for such facilities, he shared troubling statistics from Matabeleland, where an average of 66 rape cases are reported each month, with three occurring weekly in Bulawayo alone. Saunyama stressed that these numbers may not fully reflect the reality, as many cases go unreported due to stigma and fear among victims.

The newly established one-stop centre aims to provide a comprehensive range of services, including health care, legal aid, and psychological support, to ensure that survivors of GBV receive the help they need in a safe and supportive environment. The initiative aligns with the ongoing global campaign for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, underscoring the urgent need to address this pervasive issue in society.

As the ceremony unfolded, the commitment to enhancing support for GBV victims and raising awareness about the importance of reporting such crimes resonated throughout the gathering, marking a hopeful step forward in the fight against gender-based violence in Zimbabwe.