Calls for inclusivity in tackling GBV

Fairness Moyana in Hwange
THE Federation of Organisations of Disabled People in Zimbabwe (FODPZ) has called for the adoption and implementation of disability inclusive gender-based violence interventions.

The date, 25 November marked the first day for the global campaign of 16 Days Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). This year’s global campaign is running under the theme, “Invest to prevent violence against women and girls”.

In a statement to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women which signals the start of the global campaign of 16 Days Against Gender-Based Violence the organisation said violence against women and girls with disabilities remained unreported.

“The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the subsequent 16 Days of Activism Against GBV present an opportunity to call for local and global action to increase awareness, electrify advocacy efforts and share knowledge and innovations to help end all types of violence against women and girls.

“FODPZ recognises that Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) including those with disabilities remains largely undetected and unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma, and shame surrounding it. It is critical to note that violence against women and young girls continues to be a stumbling block towards achieving inclusive equality, development, peace as well as fulfilment of women and girls’ rights,” reads the statement in part.

It commended the Government efforts and commitment to addressing the problem of domestic violence through the enactment of various laws and policies that ensure maximum protection of survivors of GBV.

These include the Domestic Violence Act (Chapter 5:06), the Criminal Codification Reform Act (Chapter 9:23), the Administration of Estates Act (Chapter 6:01), the National Gender Policy and the Gender-Based Violence Implementation Strategy and Work Plan. The organisation said an inclusive approach was required in ending violence against women and girls, particularly those with disabilities who are at double risk.

“However, despite these efforts, Zimbabwe grapples with high incidences of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) as women and young girls including those with disabilities are facing violence and abuse on a daily basis. It is worth noting that while violence affects women everywhere, women and girls with disabilities, adolescent girls, older women, among others, often face even greater difficulty to have their voices heard and to access support.

“Negative impacts of violence can last a lifetime, affecting physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health. Therefore, investing in ending violence against women and girls is critically essential for the well-being of women and girls, particularly including those with disabilities. Women and girls everywhere should be able to access support and justice in order to end violence once and for all.”

FODPZ appealed for strong participation and collaboration between Government and the disability community to change the story by challenging misogyny and violence, and ensuring that women and young girls, including those with disabilities are heard. Women and girls with disabilities are reportedly at double risk of violence due to various factors such as level of disability coupled with barriers.