mbulelo smpofu
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, sukulwenkosi.dube@chronicle.co.zw
EMPOWERMENT initiatives implemented by the Government in collaboration with development partners are transforming women’s lives by addressing economic vulnerabilities that often expose them to gender-based violence (GBV).
The country recently joined the rest of the world in commemorating the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, held under the theme “Towards 30 Years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls”.
Speaking at the official launch of this year’s campaign on November 26 at Mawabeni Business Centre in Umzingwane District, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to eradicating GBV.
Women across Matabeleland South are already seeing tangible benefits from these empowerment programmes, which are helping to dismantle dependency syndromes that make women vulnerable to abuse.
Mrs Sibusisiwe Ncube from Umzingwane District, who produces detergents, shared how economic empowerment has transformed her life.
“We are glad that in addition to raising awareness, the programmes have also focused on how we can become economically empowered as women. Dependency has made many women susceptible to abuse,” she said.
“Having to constantly beg for money creates tension at home. If the money isn’t there, conflict is bound to happen. Now that I produce detergents, I can sell them to assist at home. I’m no longer as vulnerable as I used to be. This productivity has also earned us respect in the community.”
Ms Cecilia Mbuyisa from Gwanda District, who specialises in beadwork, said the empowerment drive has sparked overwhelming enthusiasm among women.
“More and more women are embracing this empowerment drive. The knowledge we acquire is being shared with others, including the youth. I learned beadwork from other women who were already skilled and now, I’m passing on this knowledge to others,” she said.
Ms Mbuyisa emphasised the importance of continuous innovation to meet customer demands and remain relevant in the market.
Ms Senzeni Ncube, also from Umzingwane District, urged women to take part in economic projects as a critical step in fighting GBV. The 16 Days of Activism Against GBV is an international campaign observed annually from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (International Human Rights Day).
The symbolic 16-day period links violence against women to human rights, underscoring the need to eliminate all forms of abuse.
This year’s theme aligns with the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted during the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995. The theme is also a reminder of the milestones being pursued under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The call to action urges governments, civil society organisations, community leaders and churches to take deliberate steps towards realising the aspirations of the Beijing Declaration while critically reflecting on progress made in eliminating GBV. — @DubeMatutu
