admin
Michell Zvanyanya, Chronicle Reporter
ONE in four women in Zimbabwe has experienced physical violence and sexual harassment since the age of 15, a United Nations report has revealed.
THE United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has expressed concern over the prevalence of gender-based violence against women in the country, saying it denies women and girls their rights and freedom.
It is noted in the report that less than three percent of the women receive professional help after being harassed.
“In Zimbabwe about 1 in 4 women have experienced physical violence and sexual violence since the age of 15 and this has been a major concern because it undermines opportunities for women and denies them the ability to fully utilise their basic human rights,” read the report.
UNFPA said it is working with the Ministry of Women Affairs Gender and Community Development, United Nations Agencies (UN) agencies and the civil society to fight against gender based violence to promote sustainable development.
“In an effort to reduce GBV, UNFPA works with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development, sister UN agencies and civil society towards increasing availability and utilisation of GBV services by survivors as well as reducing tolerance for GBV in communities,” read the report.
“We believe women play a critical role in sustainable development. When they are educated and healthy, their families, communities and countries benefit.”
It further raised concern over slow implementation of policies, well-resourced legal aid programmes, low legal literacy among women and communities, saying they are the key challenges faced in efforts to end violence against women.
Men and boys were urged to participate in efforts to end physical and sexual violence against women. — @michellzvanyanyan2
Online Reporter