Vongai Masuka

The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development,  Senator Monica Mutsvangwa has emphasized the government’s commitment to combating gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful practices in Zimbabwe during the ongoing 16 days of activism against gender based violence at an event held by the Media Institution of Southern Africa (MISA) today.

The event, attended by senior government officials, was aimed at reinforcing the nation’s dedication to ending GBV and promoting the prevention of violence against women and girls.The Minister highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to address GBV, particularly through the strengthening of legal and policy frameworks.

“The government of Zimbabwe remains committed to preventing and reducing Violence Women and Girls (VAWG), as such my Ministry continues to coordinate efforts towards addressing gender-based violence through various interventions, particularly by ensuring that the legal and policy frameworks as strengthened and are protective of women and girls,” she said.

As the government plays a significant role in addressing GBV, Minister Mutsvangwa has emphasized the importance of collaboration with all stakeholders, including the media, to achieve zero tolerance for GBV.

“This year’s National Commemorations are being held under the theme: ‘Unite! Invest in Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls! We continuously collaborate with different stakeholders that Government, Civil Society, Development Partners, Traditional and Religious leaders and the private sector in efforts to prevent and respond to GBV through a whole government and whole of society approach,” she added.

The National Strategy for Preventing and Addressing Gender-Based Violence was born out of a commitment made at the highest level through the signing and launch of the High-Level Political Compact on Ending Gender-Based Violence and Harmful Practices in Zimbabwe.