Online Reporter
President Mnangagwa
We reproduce in full President Mnangagwa’s speech on the implementation of the High-Level Political Compact on Ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Harmful Practices, marking the commencement of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence on Tuesday.
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Fellow Zimbabweans here at home and in the Diaspora; Comrades and Friends:
It is my honour and pleasure to address the nation as we continue to observe the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
This year’s theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls”, is a timely call to action.
It provides us an opportunity to take stock and reaffirm our commitment to gender equality, as well as the protection of the rights of women, girls and children.
While we have scored notable progress in combating gender-based violence and addressing harmful practices, much more must be done.
The launch of the High-Level Political Compact on Ending Gender-Based Violence and Harmful Practices signalled my Government’s recognition of the importance of a coordinated approach in addressing gender-based violence.
We are determined to realise an environment that is just and free of gender-based violence in our country, where every woman, man, girl or boy can enjoy fulfilling lives without fear of violence.
To this end, my Government has established and ensured the requisite legal and policy frameworks towards the prevention and deterrence of gender-based violence.
Further, the National Gender-Based Violence Response and Prevention Strategy provides a multi-sectoral approach to GBV-related support services.
The High-Level Political Compact, policies and frameworks are all aligned to our national development strategies towards the realisation of Vision 2030.
The Women in Leadership and Decision-Making Strategy will be operationalised to increase women’s participation in leadership and decision-making, as well as the prevention of violence in political spaces.
These initiatives reflect our dedication to fostering a comprehensive whole-of-government and society approach, that tackles the scourge of gender-based violence in a collaborative manner.
This will create a safer and more equitable society, that leaves no one and no place behind.
Meanwhile, I urge all ministries, departments and agencies to continue mainstreaming gender in their programming and service delivery, towards fostering a gender-based violence-free culture in the workplace, as well as raise awareness about the scourge and impact of GBV.
I applaud the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Small and Medium Enterprises Development, and other ministries, departments and agencies, as well as traditional leaders and religious institutions, and the generality of our communities, for the collective efforts to end gender-based violence and harmful practices.
Gratitude is extended to development partners for their complementary work in our country’s ongoing quest with regard to gender-based violence and the promotion of gender equality and women’s rights.
While overall progress made to date is commendable, more work still needs to be done, more so given the ever-shifting causes and drivers of the scourge of these vices, such as drug and substance abuse.
In all our activities and programmes, we must remain guided by our shared national development philosophy, “Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatirwa nevene vayo/llizwe lakhiwa, ibuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo”.
Each and every one of us has a critical role to play to end gender-based violence and harmful practices in Zimbabwe.
During the 16 Days of Activism and beyond, I encourage us all to engage in honest dialogue and to continue speaking out and taking action.
Let us build on the progress we have made, honour the commitments we have pledged and remain steadfast in our shared vision for a united, harmonious, peaceful and equitable Zimbabwe.
Under the Second Republic, we are creating a society where all the people of our motherland, Zimbabwe, can live in peace and with dignity, while being free from fear and harm.
There is no turning back on this journey.
God bless you all.
God bless Zimbabwe.
I thank you.
