adminLaura Maposa
THE Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development yesterday celebrated the first anniversary of a milestone achievement by Zimbabwe under the Global Spotlight Initiative Programme.
The Global Spotlight Initiative Programme’s aim is to develop a multi-sectoral compact dedicated to addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful practices.
This stands out as a model of good practice and is a clear testimony of the Government’s commitment to ending GBV and harmful practices.
It provides for an action plan, which will guide implementation of programmes on ending GBV, and harmful practices, as well as the monitoring and evaluation framework, which will keep track of its implementation.
Addressing a press conference, Minister Sithembiso Nyoni said the country should take time to reflect on the achievements made under the initiative.
“Under prevention efforts of the Spotlight Initiative, at least eight million people were reached with critical information to raise awareness for prevention purposes.
“A total of 2 500 women benefited from the empowerment initiatives under the Spotlight Initiative programme.
“These programmes include business management, financial literacy, skills training, as well as provision of starter packs for income-generating activities,” Minister Nyoni said. She said the programme also established gender-responsive safe markets for women, including one which was opened in Epworth, last year.
“Currently, frantic efforts are underway to establish more of these markets in Chipinge and Umzingwane.
“Through these initiatives, at least 250 000 survivors of GBV managed to access comprehensive services.
“In addition, Government is in the process of reviewing the National Gender Policy as well as the National Gender-Based Violence Strategy, which seek to promote gender equality and to guide implementation of GBV programmes.”
Online Reporter