42 gender champions fight GBV in Mbire

Fungai Lupande

Mashonaland Central Bureau

Forty-two men and women who volunteered to fight gender-based violence in Mbire District have been honoured for their dedication.

The group recently completed the Start Awareness Support Action (SASA) programme which was being spearheaded by Katswe Sistahood with support from the National AIDS Council (NAC).

The project was praised for fighting violence against women.

Mbire District Development Coordinator, Mr George Nyarugwe said the SASA champions and Katswe Sistahood have been doing incredible work.

“We recognise the unwavering commitment, resilience, and courage that the SASA champions exhibited in the fight against GBV,” he said.

“Katswe Sistahood played a significant role in complementing Government efforts to address the pressing issue. Many GBV cases remain unreported as cultural norms and societal attitudes mostly perpetuate violence against women and girls.”

He said GBV hinders community development, and the stigma surrounding it often leaves survivors isolated and with no access to crucial support.

One of the gender champions, Mrs Chipo Jongoro said the programme initially faced resistance as the empowerment of women was viewed as a threat.

She said SASA champions had to introspect and become the change they wished to see in the community.

“Communities initially resisted because violence against women and girls was seen as normal. However, with the support from chiefs, the Ministry of Women Affairs, and Katswe Sistahood, we began to notice some changes,” she said.

Miss Chengetai Chininga, head of operations at Katswe Sistahood, said the 42 gender champions volunteered to transform society without expecting any financial gain.

She said the programme was initially implemented in Wards 2 and 3 before it expanded to Wards 4 and 12.

“Due to the high incidence of GBV along the border of Mozambique and Mbire, Wards 5, 13, 14, and 16 have now been selected for the programme,” she added.