Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma Zimpapers Writer
THE Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development in Bulawayo working with various stakeholders on Tuesday marked the start of commemorating 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Every year the Government of Zimbabwe in partnership with UN and the Global World commemorates 16 Days of activism against GBV from November 25 to 10 December.
In line with this objective to spread awareness against GBV and celebrate efforts by other players in the field and survivors, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development partnered the City of Bulawayo’s Gender Department, Civil Society Organisations and the private sector.
The international theme is “UNITE! To end Digital violence against all women and girls”.
To mark the start, a roadshow was conducted in the morning at Sokusile Business Centre and will end in Makokoba.
Women Affairs Ministry Bulawayo Provincial Development Officer Mrs Glory Damba said the event is means to raise more awareness in the fight against GBV.
“We are launching the 16 days of zero tolerance against GBV and we have done it with Bakers Inn, ZFU, Ministry of Health and Child Care among other partners. This is to intensify the awareness campaigns on GBV and also to reaffirm our commitment to fighting against GBV in our communities and this will be done at Sekusile and Makokoba today.
“These events are a build up towards our commemoration. The actual event will be done at Entumbane hall on the 4th of December 2025 and we will start with a march. Please note that we are not saying that GBV should not be there during the 16days only but that it should not be there throughout the year (365 days) but this time is the only time that we remember those lives which were lost due to GBV,” said Mrs Damba.
At the Sokusile event, one of the speakers was Sipho Mazibuko who taught the residents from children, women and men to open up if there are being abused.
Also part of the event were Matabeleland South Miss Rural Queen, Queen Belle Nomatter, Matabeleland North Miss Rural Queen Michelle Ngwenya and Masvingo Province Miss Rural Queen Angeline Taruvanda.
This year’s focus is on advocating for collective action to dismantle the structural, cultural, and institutional barriers that perpetuate violence and exclusion.
Follow on X :@mthabisi_mthire
