Online Reporter
Sifelani Tsiko-Fact Check Editor
EVERY year, Zimbabwe joins the global community to observe countless designated days, organise events, undertake projects and campaigns with the aim of eradicating gender-based violence against women and girls.
Globally, statistics show that nearly one in three — have faced gender-based violence in their lifetime. Among adolescent girls, one in four has been abused by her partner. According to a report by UN Women and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), one woman or girl was killed every 10 minutes by her intimate partner or family member in 2023, often inside her own home. The statistics are grim in all spaces.
Once again, this year, Zimbabwe has joined the global community in observing the annual campaign “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence,” under this year’s theme “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls.”
In a message to launch the commemorations which run from November 25 to December 10, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe is committed to creating a society free from gender-based violence (GBV), as reflected in the establishment of strong policy frameworks aimed at deterring the scourge.
In this report, we capture key takeaway messages to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Zimbabwe:
“Let us build on the progress we have made, honour the commitments we have pledged and remain steadfast in our shared vision for a united, harmonious, peaceful and equitable Zimbabwe…Under the Second Republic, we are creating a society where all the people of our motherland, Zimbabwe, can live in peace and with dignity, while being free from fear and harm. There is no turning back on this journey… The launch of the High-Level Political Compact on Ending Gender-Based Violence and Harmful Practices signalled my Government’s recognition of the importance of a co-ordinated approach in addressing gender-based violence. We are determined to realise an environment that is just and free of gender-based violence in our country, where every woman, man, girl or boy can enjoy fulfilling lives without fear of violence. To this end, my Government has established and ensured the requisite legal and policy frameworks towards the prevention and deterrence of gender-based violence. — President Mnangagwa
“This year’s global theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” speaks directly to the challenges and opportunities of our time. As Zimbabwe accelerates its digital transformation, we must ensure that women and girls are not left vulnerable to emerging forms of harm. Cyberbullying, image-based abuse, harassment, and surveillance are not simply “online problems” they are violations of human rights that demand urgent, coordinated, and sustained action.” — Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa
“Switzerland stands here not only as a friend of Zimbabwe, but as a committed development and funding partner. We believe that protecting women and girls from violence whether offline or online is fundamental to achieving inclusive, sustainable development. Digital transformation is reshaping economies and societies. Yet, as we accelerate connectivity, we must also confront the reality that violence has migrated into online spaces. Cyberbullying, image-based abuse, and harassment are not abstract threats, they are violations of human rights that silence women’s voices, erode confidence, and block innovation. For Switzerland, supporting Zimbabwe’s efforts to end digital violence is part of a broader commitment to human dignity, equality, and inclusive development. We believe that safe digital spaces are essential for women and girls to thrive as entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators in the 21st century.” —Embassy of Switzerland deputy head of cooperation, Ms Liliane Tarnutzer
“The UN Secretary-General has reminded us that “violence against women is the most pervasive breach of human rights worldwide, and digital spaces are now the fastest-growing frontier of abuse.” We must accelerate momentum, including in the digital sphere where women’s rights are increasingly under attack. This year’s theme is therefore not only about raising awareness, it is about policy action, survivor-centred responses, and building safe digital spaces for everyone. UN Women stands ready to support Zimbabwe in ensuring that digital spaces become platforms of empowerment and not harm for everyone.” — UN Women Zimbabwe country representative Fatou Aminata Lo.
“Our role is to ensure that there is a proper legal environment that is safe and secure for everyone to thrive. We need to beef up our sensitisation campaigns to enable people to understand the Data Protection Act. Most people are not aware of this Act. We are also working to ensure that we have the Child Online Protection Policy. The policy belongs to us and everyone needs to contribute to the formulation of the policy. We want to finalise the policy before the end of the year.” — Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Cybersecurity Officer. — Ms Zibusiso Ncube
“We need to be taught how to be safe. Education is the first and most powerful line when it comes to digital defence against online risks and violence on women and girls. Education is key to fighting digital violence and as Unesco we have been raising awareness among students, teachers, and parents about online risks and safe practices. Effective strategies include integrating digital safety into the curriculum, training educators to respond to cyberbullying, empowering students to be advocates, and fostering a supportive school environment that addresses both online and offline forms of violence.”— UNESCO, National Project Officer for Education for Health and Well-being, Pennelope Kasere
Peter Tanyanyiwa