Gender-Based Violence (GBV) as a Stumbling Block to Gender Equality: An Urgent Call for Action
In the shadow of International Women’s Day celebrations held at Chitora business centre in Shurugwi, Zimbabwe, a profound message resonated, highlighting the persistent hurdle in the quest for gender equality—gender-based violence (GBV). Women Affairs Minister Monica Mutsvangwa brought to the fore the stark reality that GBV remains one of the most significant impediments to achieving gender parity in the country and, by extension, globally. As the world commemorated this special day, dedicated annually on March 8 to honor women’s often overlooked contributions, the narrative was clear: the fight against GBV is critical and urgent.
Mutsvangwa’s address did more than just underscore the prevalence of GBV; it painted a picture of a global challenge that demands immediate and sustained action. The World Economic Forum’s estimation that it would take 135 years to achieve gender equality is a stark reminder of the slow pace of progress and the monumental efforts required to hasten this journey. The minister’s call to action was underpinned by a recognition of investing in women as not just a moral or ethical imperative but as the cornerstone of building inclusive and equitable societies.
The statistics presented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) are alarming, with one in three women aged 15 to 49 having experienced physical violence, and about one in four women having encountered sexual violence since turning 15. These figures underscore the pervasive nature of GBV and its profound impact on women’s lives, often resulting in long-lasting physical, psychological, and social scars.
Mutsvangwa’s commendation of partners, including the European Union and its member states, through their support of the Spotlight Initiative, is testament to the collaborative efforts underway to combat GBV. This initiative has facilitated the development of crucial policies and strategies aimed at eliminating violence against women and girls, including sexual harassment in the workplace and the promotion of women in leadership and decision-making roles.
The minister further highlighted the strides made in coordinating the implementation of the National Gender Policy, mainstreaming gender across all sectors to dismantle negative practices hindering gender equality. The revamping of the National Gender Policy to incorporate cross-cutting issues such as climate change, digital technology, and disaster risk management exemplifies a holistic approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges women and girls face.
The statement from Musasa, an anti-GBV organization, on International Women’s Day brought attention to the distressing rise in child pregnancies in Zimbabwe, illustrating the intersection of GBV with other social issues. The reported cases of rape and child pregnancies in 2023 alone point to a deep-seated problem that extends beyond the numbers into the fabric of society, where silence and fear often prevent victims from seeking justice.
The qualitative data analysis presented by Musasa’s incoming board chairperson, Beatrice Tonhodzayi, revealing that over 80% of rape and sexual violence cases occur at the household level with perpetrators often being close family members, highlights the complex and sensitive nature of addressing GBV. The betrayal of trust within families and the challenges of case management and evidence gathering underscore the need for a multifaceted approach to safeguard our girl children.
The UNFPA’s report on adolescent pregnancies in Zimbabwe further amplifies the crisis, revealing an estimated 1.7 million women of age 10 and above made ante-natal bookings, with adolescents aged between 10 to 19 accounting for 15.1% of the estimated 51,000 pregnant women who tested positive for HIV. These figures are not just statistics; they represent lives altered and potentially curtailed, emphasizing the urgency of collective action.
In conclusion, the message emanating from the International Women’s Day celebrations in Shurugwi is one of urgency and resolve. The battle against GBV is far from over, but it remains a pivotal front in the broader war for gender equality. It calls for concerted efforts from governments, organizations, communities, and individuals to dismantle the structures perpetuating violence and to amplify the voices of the victims. As we forge ahead, let us remember that achieving gender equality is not merely a goal but a fundamental human right that we must relentlessly pursue.
Source: Newsday
