President rallies nation against gender-based violence

GOVERNMENT is determined to create an environment that is just and free of gender-based violence (GBV), where everyone can enjoy fulfilling lives without fear of violence, President Mnangagwa has said.

President Mnangagwa was speaking at the launch of the High-Level Political Compact on Ending Gender-Based Violence and Harmful Practices, an event that also marked the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

This year’s commemorations are running under the theme “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls”, which the President described as a timely reminder for the nation to reflect on the achievements made to date and the tasks that remain outstanding in pursuit of gender equality.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

This year’s theme, he said, underscores the need to confront emerging forms of violence, including online abuse, while reinforcing efforts to safeguard the rights of women, girls and children.

Although significant strides have been made in addressing GBV, he stressed that more still needed to be done.The launch of the High-Level Political Compact, he added, demonstrated the need for a co-ordinated, whole-of-Government and society approach to address the scourge.

“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 co-ordinated approach in addressing gender-based violence,” said the President.

“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.”

The Women in Leadership and Decision-Making Strategy, which will be operationalised soon, is envisaged to increase women’s participation in leadership and prevent violence in political spaces.

“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.”