Tinaye Agere
Fatima Bulla-Musakwa
The Women at the Centre programme, launched in Matabeleland North mid-year to tackle Gender Based Violence (GBV), is beginning to bear results with beneficiaries reporting increased awareness and self-sufficiency.
Reports of incidences of GBV including rape have increased among women and, young girls in Bubi District with abused men also gathering confidence to break the silence.
This follows the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) partnership with Women Affairs Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Ministry in implementing the program in Bubi District, with an aim to address GBV and strengthen Zimbabwe’s case management system.
Funded by Japanese Pharmaceutical giant, Takeda, the initiative is being implemented by Musasa and World Vision.
With this initiative, Takeda aims to increase and sustain accessibility as well as availability of quality services for GBV survivors including those marginalised.
Women who are benefiting from the program commended the life-changing interventions.
Prior to the initiative being introduced, Ms Delight Phiri, had for years suffered emotional and economic abuse at the hands of her husband.
She fended for the family while her husband stayed at home without rendering any support. Following the Covid 19 pandemic she lost her job which resulted in GBV conflicts with her husband escalating.
Her husband abandoned their home resulting in her assuming the burden to fend for the children.
“This year then came the Women at the Centre program where we were taught to prepare juices, dishwashers and vaseline. So, I sell those and earn money.
“I nolonger need to purchase these items as I can also make them and provide for my children. This keeps me going and I no longer have the pressure for the man to take care of our children. I know that with these efforts my children will complete their education,” she said.
Under the program World Vision is focusing on strengthening community engagement initiatives to raise awareness of GBV.
Musasa’s role involves enhancing survivor access to GBV services and support through standardised managing of cases.
Beneficiaries of the program are trained to identify GBV in its various forms and, where they can access services if they have been violated.
They are also trained to crowd-fund and establish income generating projects.
Ms Rudo Tinarwo, Program Coordinator for Women at the Centre with World Vision said their collaboration with community leaders to mobilise women is paying off as they have realized increased engagement.
“GBV issues are generally not an easy thing, it’s been made a taboo to speak about. But the number of women who have turned out and are willing to share their stories has shown that already there is some sort of impact that people are now willing to speak so as to encourage other women. So, speaking about it for us is a win and being able to refer other people as well,” she said.
Beneficiaries are already demonstrating enterprising skills with the self-help projects they are carrying out.
“Income generating projects also play a very big role in empowering women in reducing GBV because if you listen to most of the stories they emanate from poverty issues. So, empowering the woman through finances and economics is also empowering her against GBV.”
Collaboration has come out as one of the major strengths of the program ensuring effective execution and that interventions are not replicated.
Bubi Assistant District Development Coordinator, Ms Lorrain Ndou said this had instilled confidence of the initiative among people who needed the services.
“We have tried to eliminate fear in women. Normally you find that survivors are not free to report cases, they have the fear of repercussions that will follow after. So, we try to pacify that and let them know its their right. By going together as line ministries, police and other partners they also feel they are protected,” she said.
District referral pathways are now clear as service providers are mapped and can be contacted easily in the communities.
Bubi District Social Development Officer, Ms Ornett Zindi added that the program uptake had increased even in schools.
“Learners have come out through guidance and counselling programs to report incidences of rape or maybe perpetuated incidences of any form of abuse. So generally, we are bringing in a culture whereby reporting GBV is now becoming the order of the day.”
Online Reporter