Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
THE Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU)’s women committee launched 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence on Saturday, calling for united national action to end abuses affecting women and girls.
Speaking at the launch, chairperson of the women’s committee, Mrs Shungu Virginia Mupfuranhewe, said gender-based violence (GBV) remains a significant human rights violation that continues to undermine women’s empowerment, economic development, and social progress.
“This campaign is a call to action for all of us to stand against the scourge of violence that affects women and girls in our country,” she said.
“Gender-based violence is not only a women’s issue, but a human rights issue that affects families, communities, and the entire nation.”
This year’s campaign is running under the theme “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.”
Mrs Mupfuranhewe said the theme is relevant as online platforms have increasingly become spaces where women face harassment, intimidation, and violations of their rights.
Under its own internal theme, “Her Rights, Her Space, Her Voice – Online and Offline,” the union pledged to intensify efforts to challenge patriarchal norms, stereotypes, and power imbalances that fuel violence against women.
“As trade unions, we have a critical role in promoting women’s rights and empowerment,” she said.
“We will continue to advocate for policies and programmes that protect women from violence, support survivors, and promote women’s leadership and participation in decision-making.”
In a separate message directed at men, the union urged them to take responsibility and play an active role in ending GBV.
“It is time to challenge toxic masculinity, promote gender equality, and build a society that values and respects women’s rights,” she said.
Over the 16-day campaign period, the union’s national leadership will participate in awareness activities, community engagements, and advocacy initiatives aimed at mobilising action and demanding accountability from institutions and policymakers.
ZCTU urged all members, allies and the public to support the campaign and contribute to building a safer, more equitable Zimbabwe.
