Ayesha Nyanzunda
Zimbabwe has commenced its annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign, with the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) leading calls for urgent action to address persistent challenges.
This year’s campaign runs under the global theme, “Towards 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: Unite to End Violence Against Women,” highlighting progress since the 1994 declaration while addressing systemic gaps in GBV prevention and response.
In a statement, WCoZ acknowledged strides such as the implementation of the Zimbabwe National Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence (2023-2030) but criticized weak law enforcement, inadequate funding, and the rising prevalence of GBV in extractive communities for undermining progress.
“While we celebrate progress, gaps in accountability and protection mechanisms leave survivors vulnerable, with limited access to safety and justice,” WCoZ noted.
However, WCoZ emphasised that systematic gaps continue to undermine progress in eradicating GBV in Zimbabwe, citing issues such as weak enforcement of laws, inadequate resources for protection mechanisms, and rising GBV cases in extractive communities.
“While we acknowledge the strides made, such as the Zimbabwe National Strategy to PREVENT And Address Gender-Based Violence (2023-2030), systematic gaps in accountability and protection mechanisms continue to perpetuate violence. Survivors of GBV face compromised safety and limited access to justice,” WCoZ said in a press statement.
The coalition highlighted child marriage as a persistent challenge despite progressive legal framework such as Section 3 of the Marriages Act, which criminalises the pracytice. Weak enforcement of these laws has limited their impact.
“The dysfunction of the Anti-Domestic Violence Council due to inadequate funding and oversight further weakens protection mechanisms,” WCoZ stated.
WCoZ also raised concerns about GBV in extractive communities, where women and girls face disproportionately high rates of violence, including child marriages and increased HIV infections.
“As the extractive sector grows in Zimbabwe, it has brought with it heightened vulnerabilities for women and girls. This requires urgent action,” the coalition added.
The statement called for immediate measures to address GBV, including increased funding and operationalisation of the Anti-Domestic Violence Council, gender-sensitive training for law enforcement, and improved community-based support networks for survivors.
“We urge the government of Zimbabwe to prioritise theresourcing of the Anti-Domestic Violence Council in the 2025 National Budget.Comprehensive training for law enforcement, judicial , and health personnel is critical to ensuring gender-sensitive approaches in handling cases,” WCoZ said.
The coalition also urged Parliament to investigate the implementation of the Marriages Act to ensure accountability in addressing child marriages.
WCoZ also called on the Zimbabwe Gender Commission to challenge patriarchal norms and ensure gender-sensitive media reporting.
“The media’s use of sexist and derogatory language in reporting GBV cases further exacerbates these issues. A shift in attitude is essential to creating a safe environment for women,” the coalition stated.
In addition, the coalition appealed to civil society organisations and international partners to strengthen community based support networks and document GBV trends in high risk areas like extractive zones to inform advocacy.
“Women Human Rights Defenders remain critical yet vulnerable actors in GBV advocacy. Strengthening legal protections and safe spaces is imperative to their safety and the broader fight against GBV,” said WCoZ.
As Zimbabwe mareks the 16 days of activism , women are calling for action underscoring the need for collaboration across government, civil society and international stakeholders to end violence against women and girls.