Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a critical issue in Zimbabwe, and it leaves a deep impact on individuals, families, and communities — regardless of age, ethnic background, gender and geographic location.
As the world observes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence from November 25 to December 10, it is important to examine the underlying factors that are contributing to this crisis.
It is also important to remember that GBV comes in various forms, physical, emotional, phycological or economic and any gender can be a victim or a perpetuator.
Sometimes the forms of GBV are perpetuated concurrently and others experience one form from a perpetrator.
By addressing the socio-economic and cultural roots of GBV, engaging men and boys in the conversation, and leveraging innovative solutions, Zimbabwe can take meaningful steps towards a violence-free society.
When we consider the most significant contributors to GBV in Zimbabwe, poverty, unemployment and economic dependance rate as some of the most significant.
Women who are not financially independent usually find themselves trapped in abusive relationships.
In many cases, abusers use economic control as a tool to dominate their victims, increasing their vulnerability.
- Making every day that of activism against GBV
- 16 days not enough, says Ruvheneko
- Churches best positioned to deal with GBV
- The style interview: Tozeza Baba addresses gender-based violence
Keep Reading
More than often, women in these situations begin to believe that they cannot live with this abuser, and they cannot be of any good to themselves, their children or their families.
The link between resource shortages and domestic violence further underlines the role of socioeconomic stress.
Zimbabwe’s chronic electricity and water shortages often lead to conflicts in households.
Women are traditionally tasked with managing domestic responsibilities and they face increased pressure and blame when these resources are unavailable.
The family still expects a warm meal, ironed clothes, clean water regardless of the shortages or circumstances.
Research has shown that such stress factors can escalate into physical and emotional abuse which creates a dangerous environment for women and children.
To break this cycle, it is essential to empower women economically.
Initiatives such as vocational training, microfinance programmes and social protection schemes can help women to achieve financial independence, hence reducing their reliance on abusive partners.
These efforts need to be complemented by broader economic reforms to alleviate poverty and unemployment across the country.
Additionally, keeping girls in school and eliminating child-marriages will help in ensuring that women live to their full potential to becoming financially independent.
Harmful cultural norms and traditional practices also perpetuate GBV in Zimbabwe. Patriarchal values, which prioritise male authority, often normalise the violence against women as a disciplinary measure.
For example, practices such as child marriage, virginity testing, female genital mutilation (FGM) wife inheritance (kugara nhaka), appeasing avenging spirits (kuripa ngozi), kutamba chiramu — although illegal in some communities — they still persist and they deprive women and girls of their rights and exposes them to lifelong abuse.
In many communities and the country at large, efforts to challenge these norms are gaining momentum. Organisations and individuals are using education and advocacy to shift societal attitudes.
School-based programmes that teach gender equality, respect, tolerance and non-violent would be particularly effective in instilling new values in younger generations.
Faith-based leaders also play a vital role as they can use their platforms to denounce GBV and promote healthier relationships.
Additionally, faith-based leaders play a greater role to change the narrative of asking women to stay in abusive relationships so as to uphold the denominational expectations.
Both religious leaders, congregants and communities should raise a united voice to call for an end to the child-marriages (rape) that continues to happen in some churches where we have heard and seen girls as young as 13 being impregnated and some dying as they are giving birth.
Another critical component of breaking the cycle of GBV is engaging men and boys in the conversations and call to action.
Traditionally, anti-GBV initiatives have focused on supporting survivors, but it is equally important to address the attitudes and behaviors of perpetrators.
Focusing on behavioural change of perpetrators and attempting to socialise boys using positive masculinity values and traits may be the change that is needed.
Programmes that involve men and boys as allies in the fight against GBV have proven successful in challenging toxic masculinity and fostering accountability.
Some effective tools for educating men and boys about the importance of gender equality and non-violence are workshops, mentorships, community dialogues and online campaigns.
Male champions who advocate for change can serve as powerful role models, inspiring others to reject violence and embrace respectful relationships.
Zimbabwe has made recognisable strides in addressing GBV through legislation, such as the Domestic Violence Act which criminalises abuse and provides a framework for protecting survivors.
However, there are still gaps in the enforcement of this law which could be solved by stronger enforcement mechanisms, and an increased budget allocation for GBV programmes
It is important to invest in training and re-training law enforcement officers, healthcare workers, and legal professionals to handle GBV cases with sensitivity and efficiency.
Additionally, establishing more shelters and counseling centers can provide survivors with the immediate support they need.
Technology now offers new avenues for combating GBV.
Mobile applications and hotline numbers now provide ways for survivors to report abuse and seek assistance.
Social media campaigns raise awareness and mobilise communities to take action. Women and girls can now also take advantage of virtual counselling services that are available.
These are among the many innovations available. However, challenges such as limited access and digital literacy in rural and hard to reach areas would need to be addressed first so as to maximise the impact of these tools.
Partnerships with mobile network companies and NGOs can also help to bridge these gaps and ensure that digital solutions are accessible to all.
As we commemorate the 16 Days of activism against GBV campaign, running under the theme Unite! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls, it is time for individuals, communities, and policymakers to take collective action and this is how they can all make a difference:
Individuals should speak out against GBV, support survivors, and educate themselves and others about GBV issues.
To those that can, volunteer with or donate to local organisation that are working to combat GBV.
Communities can foster an environment of respect and equality. Let us continue to engage men and boys in discussions about healthy relationships and challenging harmful cultural norms.
Policymakers can commit to stronger enforcement of GBV laws, allocate more resources to prevention and support programmes, and prioritise gender equality in national development plans.
Ending GBV requires a united effort from all sectors of the society. Together we can break the cycle and build a Zimbabwe where women and girls can live free from violence and fear.
*Tinashe Madamombe is a gender and communications expert.
These weekly articles are coordinated by Lovemore Kadenge, an independent consultant, managing consultant of Zawale Consultants (Private) Limited, past president of the Zimbabwe Economics Society and past president of the Chartered Governance & Accountancy Institute in Zimbabwe. Email – kadenge.zes@gmail.com or Mobile No. +263 772 382 852
