NEW: Government launches campaign to combat sexual and gender-based violence

Fatima Bulla-Musakwa

GOVERNMENT has partnered United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in its #72Hours Campaign launched yesterday to improve reporting of sexual and gender-based violence incidents.

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) and Adult Rape Clinic have also partnered with the cause ahead of 16 Days of Activism against GBV which begin on November 25.

This follows disturbing statistics that less than 35 percent of sexual assault survivors report their cases within 72 hours, with most failing to access prophylactic medicines to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.

Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said, “This campaign will increase awareness of the need to access life-saving health services timely. It is our hope that every stakeholder working on GBV prevention and response will amplify the message in our respective spaces”.

The campaign will focus on spreading knowledge about the importance of acting quickly and offer survivors essential information on accessing services.

Adult Rape Clinic Director, Ms Maceline Mukwamba said, “I appeal to all of us to join hands in supporting survivors of sexual violence and urge us to prioritise seeking medical attention for them”.

Survivors delay accessing services due to lack of awareness and stigma.

As a result, they miss the critical time to receive medical support and preserve forensic evidence for possible legal action.

UNFPA Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Ms Lydia Zigomo said it is disturbing that so many survivors miss the 72-hour window to access essential health services.

“Through the launch of this campaign, UNFPA and the relevant Government Ministries and partners will intensify efforts to reach survivors with information on the benefits of accessing services.”

Caitlin Spence, Social Development Adviser with the British Embassy Harare emphasised the critical need for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence to access support services within 72 hours.

European Union Head of Cooperation, Mr Franck Porte said the #72Hours campaign will encourage survivors to seek help without delay, empowering them to access life-saving services when they need them most.

Programme Manager and co-chair of HRF, Mr Dumisile Msimanga said Ireland takes pride in supporting Zimbabwe’s efforts to end GBV.

One in four women in Zimbabwe has experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.

Survivors of sexual and gender-based violence have to deal with physical injuries, psychological trauma, health complications like chronic pain, STIs and unwanted pregnancies.

They are also prone to mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and suicidal attempts.

Through its partnership with ZC, UNFPA aims to leverage the influential role of cricket players to raise awareness of GBV prevention and champion change.

ZC Managing Director, Mr Givemore Makoni said the association is challenging narratives that place limits based on gender and is redefining norms that dictate how people perceive themselves and others.

The #72 hours campaign is being implemented under the Health Resilience Fund (HRF), which is funded by the Governments of Britain, Ireland and the European Union.