New hope for GBV survivors in Bulawayo

Senior Sunday News Reporter
IN the heart of Bulawayo, a significant milestone was reached on November 28, 2024, as the Government reaffirmed its dedication to supporting survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
During the notable event that marked the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Monica Mutsvangwa, took the stage to share a powerful message of hope and commitment.

This gathering was not just a mere ceremony; it celebrated the launch of the Mpilo One Stop Centre for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence. This facility represents the 18th of its kind established by the Government, joining other centres in places like Rusape, Gweru, Gwanda, and many more across the country.

Each centre stands as a beacon of support for those affected by GBV, offering a lifeline to those in need.
The timing of the launch was poignant, coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November, which heralds the start of the annual 16 Days of Activism. These days culminate on 10 December, International Human Rights Day, serving as a reminder of the global fight against gender-based violence.

With the theme “Towards 30 Years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” the provincial commemorations underscored the urgency of the cause.
Minister Mutsvangwa passionately stressed the need for strong collaboration in combating GBV, emphasising that economic empowerment initiatives and educational campaigns are essential in this fight.

“There is also a need for male engagement programmes to challenge negative social, cultural, and religious norms that fuel gender-based violence,” she declared.
Her words resonated with the audience, highlighting a collective responsibility to foster an environment where every individual can live free from the shadows of GBV, a vision deeply rooted in the principles of the Beijing Declaration.

Minister Mutsvangwa described the establishment of the One-Stop Centre as a remarkable achievement, a testament to the Government’s commitment to delivering comprehensive support services for survivors.
She poignantly noted, “Gender-Based Violence is one of the challenges that the country is currently grappling with. It constitutes a serious violation of fundamental human rights and poses a major obstacle to the social and economic development of communities.”

Over the years, the situation has intensified, with troubling statistics revealing that 49,4 percent of women aged between 15 and 49 have experienced some form of violence.
“It is profoundly disheartening to recognise that countless individuals continue to suffer in silence, primarily due to the fear of victimisation and the potential for secondary abuse,” she lamented.
The stigma surrounding GBV often traps victims in a cycle of isolation, making it incredibly challenging for them to seek help.

Minister Mutsvangwa addressed the barriers that many face, including the lack of survivor-friendly service providers and the physical distance of facilities from the communities they serve.
“When victims seek help, they may encounter barriers that discourage them from reporting their experiences,” she explained, highlighting the need for empathy and adequate training among staff at these facilities.
As she continued, the minister urged for a critical reflection on the progress made since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 1995.

“This reflection prompts us to examine our efforts and reaffirm our commitment to responding to the needs of survivors of Gender-Based Violence,” she stated.
The One Stop Centre model, she emphasized, is a globally recognized best practice that Zimbabwe has adopted to meet the needs of GBV survivors. These centres provide holistic services — health, psycho-social support, legal, and police services — all under one roof, ensuring that survivors can access the help they need without barriers.

“Commissioning this One-Stop Centre is therefore meant to amplify the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign,” she said while showcasing some of the progressive work that the country is doing in addressing GBV in line with the call to action by the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
In Bulawayo, the launch of the Mpilo One-Stop Centre signifies a renewed commitment to not only address the immediate needs of GBV survivors but also to pave the way for a future where every individual can live free from violence and fear.