Paralegals trained to tackle GBV in mining communities

 

Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter

IN a bid to address rising cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in mining communities in Manicaland, the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and its partners have trained community paralegals in the province.

The training is part of a nationwide initiative being led by the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG), with support from AmplifyChange and Legal Resources Foundation.

The project aims to strengthen grassroots efforts in tackling GBV, especially in areas affected by mining operations.

CNRG’s communications and advocacy officer, Mr Donald Nyarota said the initiative targets women and girls exposed to violence and sexual exploitation in extractive communities such as Penhalonga, Marange, Hwange, and Shurugwi.

He said mining has disrupted traditional community structures, increased displacement, and brought a wave of transient workers, all of which have worsened the risk of GBV.

“These challenges have left women more vulnerable. In many cases, access to justice and support services is extremely limited. By training paralegals, we are building the community’s capacity to respond to these violations effectively,” said Mr Nyarota.

The training focused on Zimbabwe’s legal framework on GBV, survivor support, referral systems, and community mobilisation.

Mr Nyarota said the goal is to ensure that survivors are, not only heard, but also supported through proper legal channels.

He stressed that community-based paralegals often act as the first point of contact in remote areas, making their role critical in fighting GBV.

“By equipping community paralegals with the legal knowledge, survivor-centred skills, and tools for community engagement, we are not only empowering them to respond effectively to GBV, but also reinforcing community resilience.

“The paralegals are on the front lines. They play a vital role in ensuring that survivors are heard, supported, and connected to justice. The training is giving paralegals tools to help survivors and spread awareness. They now understand confidentiality, how to refer cases, and handle cases with sensitivity,” he said, adding that the project also aims to create a network of trained paralegals who can monitor GBV cases, provide survivor-centred support, and run legal literacy campaigns in their communities.

“We hope that this network will help close justice gaps and strengthen local protection systems. Expected results include improved response capacity, better access to justice for survivors, and stronger referral structures. The paralegals are also expected to raise awareness of GBV and legal rights, especially among vulnerable women and girls,” he said.

One of the trained paralegals, Mrs Forget Jera from Marange, said the programme had opened her eyes to new strategies.

“The training has opened my eyes to the legal tools and strategies we can use to support survivors in our communities. As a paralegal from Marange, I see the impact of mining on women every day. Now I feel more confident to respond to GBV cases and help women know their rights.

“Ultimately, the training is part of a broader effort to build safer, more just communities by empowering locals to take the lead and we believe we will empower our communities to take the lead after the training. As GBV cases continue to rise in mining zones, the impact of this grassroots approach is transformative as it offers hope where formal systems had fallen short,” she said.