Bunjiwe Mkwananzi
Flora Fadzai Sibanda [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe Association of Church-Related Hospitals (ZACH) has stepped up efforts to protect girls and women from gender-based violence (GBV) and HIV infection, particularly in communities that are receiving returnees from South Africa.
The organisation says it is strengthening community-based interventions to raise awareness, prevent abuse and ensure survivors can access essential support services.
ZACH SASA! programme coordinator Ms Sukoluhle Dube said the organisation has deployed community champions who are conducting door-to-door awareness campaigns aimed at educating women and girls on preventing abuse and seeking help when they become victims of violence.
“The good thing is that most people who are coming back from South Africa are part of the communities we are working with. So, we have already started going house to house and teaching our girls and women the actions they should take in case of abuse,” said Ms Dube.
She said the initiative is being implemented under the SASA! programme, which focuses on preventing violence against women by addressing unequal power relations within families and communities.
Ms Dube said ZACH’s one-stop centres have also been placed on high alert to ensure survivors of abuse receive immediate assistance and comprehensive support.
“Our one-stop centres offer various services, including counselling, the provision of medication and they have trained professionals who know how to work with abused girls and women,” she said.
Ms Dube said the organisation remains committed to ensuring that survivors of gender-based violence receive comprehensive medical, psychosocial and referral services, while communities are empowered with the knowledge and tools needed to prevent abuse before it occurs.
