Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter
EFFORTS to combat gender-based violence (GBV) are set to be extended to tertiary institutions where authorities are planning to introduce a module on the subject into the social work curriculum beginning next year.
The initiative — being spearheaded by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development, in partnership with the Council of Social Workers Zimbabwe — is aimed at equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills to address the complexities of GBV at a global level.
The programme is part of the Women at the Centre project, which is being implemented by the United Nations Population Fund with support from Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda.
The module is expected to improve the identification of GBV cases and enhance the quality of responses within communities.
Council of Social Workers Zimbabwe registrar Mr Nesbert Tadzoka underlined the importance of updating the curriculum to keep pace with emerging social issues such as GBV and substance abuse.
“Remember, we have a lot of dynamics that are coming up. We have GBV, as well as drug and substance abuse, which are emerging trends that you have to keep abreast with,” he said.
He made the remarks on the sidelines of a two-day curriculum review workshop in Gweru last week.
“If you don’t move with trends, you end up having obsolete knowledge and it will not be able to help anyone.”
Social work is a practice-based profession that deals with vulnerable populations, focusing on social justice, advocacy and community well-being.
The revised curriculum will cover key aspects of GBV, including its origins, new forms, effects, prevention strategies and community engagement approaches.
Ms Sunungurai Charamba, a university lecturer, said the initiative would ensure Zimbabwe aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5, which focuses on gender equality.
“This is the right time to ensure that everyone is included, especially students,” she said. “Students themselves can be victims of GBV. This training ensures they are equipped to handle such cases effectively during their year-long fieldwork and beyond, whether locally or globally.”
Globally, one in three women will experience some form of GBV in her lifetime.
Forms of GBV include intimate partner violence, sexual harassment, financial abuse, psychological abuse, child marriage and online violence.
Online Reporter