EU COMMITTED TO FIGHTING GBV

Tanaka Mahanya

GENDER-BASED Violence (GBV)and harmful cultural practices limit women’s ability to participate in developing the nation.

This includes women’s participation in decision-making, economic, social and political activities.

Addressing the media on the first anniversary of the High-Level Political Compact on Ending Gender Based Violence and harmful practices in Zimbabwe, European Union Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Jobst von Kirchmann, said there need to desist from violent behaviour.

“The European Union is fully committed to fight against gender-based violence and harmful practices by financing the Spotlight Initiative with €500 million,” he said.

“This is a joint European Union-United Nations flagship programme to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.

“Gender-based violence takes place in all settings, at home and in public spaces, and we all need to join hands to eradicate it.

“Together, we have to condemn that violence and urge all those involved to immediately desist from violence,” he said.

He said they will continue to support the efforts of the Government to achieve more gender equality and to fight against GBV.

Zimbabwe is striving to achieve gender equality through raising awareness of constitutional rights, training in business skills and financial literacy.

The limited ability of women to participate in economic, social and political activities constitutes a drawback to Zimbabwe’s development aspirations.