Government committed to ending GBV

Victor Maphosa

Mashonaland East Bureau

Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Dr Apolonnia Munzverengwi has reiterated the Government’s commitment to ending gender-based violence and promoting gender equality.

Dr Munzverengwi was speaking during Mashonaland East’s provincial commemorations of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence held in Goromonzi today.

This year’s commemorations were held under the theme “Towards 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNITE to End Violence Against Women and Girls.”

“Since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and its platform for action, Zimbabwe has made progress in advancing gender equality and women empowerment through promulgating progressive laws and policies aimed at protecting women and girls,” she said.

“The Constitution of Zimbabwe provides for the protection of human rights, including the protection of women and girls, from all forms of violence. The Domestic Violence Act of 2007 aims to protect individuals from domestic violence and provide legal recourse for survivors.

“In addition, there is also the mandatory sentencing for rape and aggravated indecent assault, which aims to deter sexual violence through a minimum 15-year prison sentence.

“The Marriages Act [Chapter 5:17] of 2022 sets the minimum marriage age at 18, while the Education Act [Chapter 25:04] prohibits the expulsion of pregnant girls from schools. The Children’s Act [Chapter 25:04] criminalises harmful socio-cultural practices such as pledging girls into marriages, while the Data Protection Act [Chapter 12:07] addresses gender-based violence in digital spaces. The Labour

Amendment Act [Chapter 28:01] addresses workplace sexual harassment.

“Most importantly, in 2021, the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa committed to ending gender-based violence by officially launching the first-ever High-Level Political Compact (HLPC) on Ending Gender-Based Violence and Harmful Practices (2021-2030).

“This was a demonstration of political commitment to eliminate violence against women and girls and harmful practices in Zimbabwe. On that note, I want to encourage individuals, families, and communities in this province and the country at large to fight against GBV.

“Creating a society free from violence is our collective responsibility. As Government, we remain committed to ending GBV in all its forms. Several efforts are being made to ensure that GBV prevention and response services are accessible to everyone.”