Zimbabwe’s struggle to achieve gender equality remains a significant challenge despite some advancements over the years, according to the latest findings by the World Bank Group. The “Zimbabwe Gender-based Violence Assessment Report” provides a stark look into the ongoing issues surrounding gender-based violence (GBV) and inequality within the nation.
The report acknowledges that Zimbabwe ranks above the Sub-Saharan African average on the Gender Inequality Index. However, it emphasizes that the country still falls short of global standards on various gender equality indicators, highlighting a persistent gap in achieving parity.
A disturbing revelation from the World Bank’s assessment is the high prevalence of gender-based violence in Zimbabwe. Approximately 42.5% of women reported experiencing physical and/or sexual violence in 2019, a figure virtually unchanged from 43.4% in 2011 and significantly higher than both the global average of 27% and the regional average of 33%. This statistic underscores the deep-rooted nature of GBV in Zimbabwean society and the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Patriarchal social norms continue to perpetuate gender inequality and violence against women. These norms not only hinder progress towards gender equality but also contribute to the high incidence of violence. The report indicates that survivors of GBV often encounter significant obstacles when seeking help and justice, compounding their plight.
Less than half of the GBV survivors attempt to seek any form of help, with only 37.7% of affected individuals taking steps to reach out for support. This low percentage of help-seeking behavior highlights the barriers faced by survivors, including stigma, fear of retribution, and lack of accessible services.
The situation is similarly dire for children, with the report noting that less than 40% of child survivors of GBV know where to access necessary services. Moreover, only a mere 5% of those needing help have sought and received assistance, pointing to a critical gap in service provision and awareness.
While the Zimbabwean government has made efforts to harmonize laws related to GBV since the adoption of the new Constitution in 2013, progress has been sluggish. The report attributes this slow advancement to several factors, including inadequate resources (financial, human, material, and technical), a lack of political will in some ministries, and weak coordination among key stakeholders.
Existing laws have not been fully harmonized to address the requirements for combating GBV effectively. Moreover, the implementation of these laws is crippled by weak accountability mechanisms and a scarcity of resources. The report suggests that additional mechanisms are necessary to criminalize GBV practices more comprehensively.
Despite some progress in narrowing gender disparities, overall rates of GBV and violence against children in Zimbabwe remain alarmingly high. Child marriage is particularly prevalent, with 33.7% of women marrying before age 18, and 5.4% before age 15. Furthermore, over 90% of women report experiencing sexual harassment at work, indicating widespread and systemic issues.
The World Bank’s report calls for the Zimbabwean government and Parliament to adopt more effective measures to combat GBV and protect vulnerable populations. It stresses the need for robust legislative frameworks, enhanced policy support, and comprehensive strategies that are urgently required to address these pervasive issues.
In conclusion, while Zimbabwe has made some strides in addressing gender inequality and gender-based violence, the World Bank’s assessment reveals that much work remains to be done. The persistence of high GBV rates, coupled with inadequate legal and support systems, calls for a concerted and sustained effort from all sectors of society to foster a safe and equitable environment for all Zimbabweans.
Source: Newsday
