Talent Gore
ZIMBABWE officially launched the 2023 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence (GBV) in yet another bid to raise awareness around GBV and to spotlight struggles facing women and girls in reaching their full potential.
The launch was organised by the United Nations Population Fund in Zimbabwe (UNFPA-Zimbabwe), as a precursor to the commencement of the official campaign period which gets underway on November 25, marking the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
The commemorations of the 16 days of activism run between November 25 to December 10 every year.
This year, the campaign will run under the theme: “Unite! Investing to prevent violence against women and girls.”
With one in every three women experiencing physical or sexual violence at one point in their lives, GBV remains one of the most prevalent forms of human rights violations globally.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Monica Mutsvangwa, said investing in GBV prevention was an investment in the well-being and empowerment of individuals and communities.
“It enables the implementation of comprehensive strategies encompassing prevention, survivor support, education, advocacy, and policy reform,” she said.
“In addition, it sends a resounding message of society’s commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals as well as signifying a collective acknowledgement that violence has no place in our communities, and everyone deserves a safe and valued environment.”
She added:
“Gender responsive budgeting operates on the fundamental principle that gender equality is not just a matter of social justice but also a catalyst for economic growth and sustainable development.”
She called for the inclusion of men and boys in addressing GBV.