Online Reporter
Good day, Zimbabwe
Allied Timbers Zimbabwe is today holding the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence commemorations at their factory in Mutare.
The 16 Days of Activism Against GBV is a global event that runs annually from November 25 (International Day International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day), whose purpose is to raise awareness and galvanise action and sensitise communities on the need to end violence against women and girls through highlighting various forms of violence and the adverse impact on human rights.
These concerted efforts challenges individuals, communities, organisations and governments to combine forces in preventing and eliminating GBV.
This year’s commemorations are running under the theme “Break Barriers, Build Safe Spaces,” to underscore the importance of dismantling structural and cultural barriers that perpetuate violence.
Our team of Tendai Gukutikwa and Tinai Nyadzayo will give us up-to-the-minute and detailed updates of the commemorations.
Stay tuned for more . . .
Ministers, scores of people attend commemorations
Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa is gracing the event to preside at the commemorations as the Guest of Honour.
She is being accompanied by Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza.
She is being accompanied by Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza.
The two, as well as the Allied Timbers Board, executives, employees and various stakeholders, are conducting a guided tour of Allied Timbers Zimbabwe’s Mutare factory.
The tour is meant to have the Ministers familiarise with the operations of Allied Timbers Zimbabwe.
Proceedings have now commenced, bringing together Government officials, partners, and community leaders in a united call to end digital violence and promote online safety for all.
Manicaland grapples with GBV
Minister Mugadza has now taken to the podium to deliver his remarks.
He says Manicland has experienced a rise of GBV cases, highlighting that the province ranks third on the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) for child marriages.
This, adds Minitser Mugadza, indicates that Manicland is grappling with cases that violate women and the girl child’s rights.
These worrying statistics have prompted Government to implement various interventions to address the critical issue.
Minister Mugadza commends initiatives taken by Allied Timbers Zimbabwe in tackling GBV both at the workplace and in the communities as this is having transformative effect
‘Protecting women, girls a governance priority’
Allied Timbers Zimbabwe Board chairperson Mrs Keuemetsi Mupandawana is now giving her remarks.
She says the event, which has brought together various stakeholders, is a strategic gathering focusing on effective ways to tackle the growing threat of GBV, particularly in digital spaces.
She stresses that protecting women and girls online is not just goodwill but a governance priority as employee safety and dignity are essential to national progress and corporate sustainability.
The threat of GBV poses legal, financial, and reputational risks that erode trust, increase costs, and undermine organisational performance.
“The Board of Allied Timbers Zimbabwe as guardian of the workforce treats safety as a core governance responsibility. It outlines a zero-tolerance approach anchored on robust oversight, proactive risk mitigation, and ethical leadership, supported by strong policies, confidential reporting, and an open-door culture,” she says.
The organisation, she adds, is promoting women into roles traditionally dominated by men; achieving significant female representation in management and on the Board.
She says: “These efforts aim to correct historical imbalances on merit, reinforce dignity, and ensure shared responsibility for protecting women’s safety and participation.”
Call to step up efforts in tackling GBV
Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa has taken the podium to deliver her keynote address.
Minister Mutsvangwa commends Allied Timbers Zimbabwe for hosting the critical national conversation – ending all forms of violence against women and girls.
The organisation is lkeading by example, she says.
“Your commitment to creating a safe space, not just in the forests you manage, but within your workforce and community, sets a powerful example for all parastatals and the private sector in Zimbabwe,” she says.
Minister Mutsvangwa says this year’s theme “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls” is a clarion call to everyone to step up efforts towards addressing GBV both online and offline.
‘GBV statistics paint grim picture’
National statistics, facts and figures on the GBV scourge paint a grim picture that cannot be ignored, says Minister Mutsvangwa.
“While numbers can never capture the full depth of human suffering, they compel us to action,” she says.
Minister Mutsvangwa says national data indicates that one in three women in Zimbabwe has experienced physical violence, and about one in four has a lifetime experience of GBV.
“These statistics represent our mothers, our sisters, our daughters, our colleagues, and our friends who have been subjected to this inhuman treatment,” she says.
No place for GBV at the workplace
Minister Mutsvangwa calls on Allied Timbers Zimbabwe to put in place robust mechanisms for GBV prevention that also promote clear reporting mechanisms against GBV at the workplace.
She says these measures will go a long way in ensuring that the company creates a safe working environment for all, thereby promoting productivity among employees and also upholding the company’s good reputation.
Minister Mutsvangwa says Government has made ending GBV at all levels a national priority, demonstrated by the signing of the High-Level Political Compact and the development of a national strategy to guide prevention and response efforts.
She says the commitment is supported by strong laws, including the Cybersecurity and Data Protection Act, the Domestic Violence Act, and the Marriages Act, which all collectively address digital abuse, domestic violence, and child marriage while ensuring protection, justice, and empowerment for survivors.
“Significant amendments have been made to the Criminal Law Code, which include stiffer penalties for rape and sexual assault, and the criminalization of marital rape. In addition to the Policy and legal frameworks, there are several initiatives aimed at ensuring that we prevent Gender Based Violence from happening and responding to violence,” she says.
‘Empower women to end GBV’
Minister Mutsvangwa says her ministry recognises economic dependence as a major driver of GBV and Government is responding by empowering women through skills training, access to capital, business support, and market opportunities.
By strengthening women’s economic independence, she adds, the initiatives aim to reduce their vulnerability and improve their ability to negotiate within relationships.
As a response to GBV, she says her Ministry has established one-stop centres across the country.
Manicaland has four such one-stop centres.
She urges men who are facing GBV to come out and speak about the scourge as there are several men and boys suffering in silence, fearing stigma or ridicule.
“Let us build a Zimbabwe where every woman and girl can live in safety, with dignity, and free from the fear of violence whether on the street, in the home, or online,” reiterates Minister Mutsvangwa.
