Chronicle Editor
Lumbidzani Dima, Chronicle Reporter
PLANS are underway to establish a Gender Based Violence (GBV) One Stop Centre at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo as part of efforts to enhance support for victims and promote peaceful relations within communities.
Government has partnered with the Family Support Trust to kickstart the construction of the new facility, whose services will be provided free of charge.
Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube, revealed this yesterday during the 16 days of activism against GBV event that was organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development and partner organisations.
Minister Ncube said the setting up of the One Stop Centre was a clear reflection of the Government’s holistic approach in addressing GBV as it will address both prevention and response needs in the province.
“The One Stop Centre shall provide comprehensive services to survivors of GBV. The services offered include health, legal, police, and counselling services and all these services are offered in one roof, free of charge,” she said.
“The Government of Zimbabwe does not tolerate GBV and is committed to ending GBV in Zimbabwe.
“This commitment has been made at its highest level by the President who launched the high-level political compact on ending GBV and harmful practices in Zimbabwe on the 27th of October.”
Similar models have already been set up in Makoni, Bindura, Gwanda, Gweru and Chinhoyi where GBV cases are being tackled under one roof.
Minister Ncube commended various development partners who are involved in the GBV mitigation programming, which she said would go a long way in saving the lives of women and girls.
She stressed the need to economically empower women as a long-term approach to ending GBV stating that research has shown that women who control their own resources are less likely to be victimised because of their gender.
The minister said sexual harassment and other forms of sexual violence were evident in public spaces, leading to the reduction of women and girls’ movement, and negatively impacting their health and well-being.
She commended the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) for being responsive and collaborating fully in setting up of these services within the province.
“GBV is a social ill which needs to be eradicated and as such we are endlessly making efforts to implement prevention and response programmes,” said Minister Ncube.
Women Affairs Bulawayo provincial development officer, Mr Dingani Dlomo said the entire world including Zimbabwe was concerned about GBV as the cases are rising.
“When we look at statistics, cases are going up and violence is taking very serious shape involving killing with the use of knives and screwdrivers to stab each other,” he said.
Plan International case worker, Ms Olinah Chiwume said women and girls should feel free to express themselves regardless of where they are. She said her organisation was running online campaigns after observing that sexual violence exists even online.
Various stakeholders including lawyers, civil society groupings and police, attended the event. This year’s 16 days of activism against GBV commemoration are being held under theme: “Orange the world: End violence against women and girls now: No to child marriage!!”
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