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Government’s move to develop a multi-sectoral compact towards Gender Based Violence portrays its commitment to end GBV and harmful practises, Minister of Women Affairs has said.
Speaking at a press briefing, Thursday Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Sithembiso Nyoni highlighted that Zimbabwe is the 1st country under the Global Spotlight Initiative Programme to come up with a multi-sectoral compact that deals with GBV issues.
“Today marks the 1st anniversary of a milestone achievement by Zimbabwe which made history by becoming the 1st country under the Global Spotlight Initiative Programme to develop a multi-sectoral compact dedicated towards addressing Gender-Based Violence and harmful practices.
“This compact stands out as a model of good practice and it is a clear testimony of the government’s commitment to ending GBV and Harmful Practices.
“The HLPC is a commitment to a shared responsibility among all stakeholders in the country. It is coordinated from the highest office of the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, H. E. Dr. E.D Mnangagwa and was signed by all stakeholders that include Independent Commissions, Donor Agencies, Development Partners, Civil Society Organizations, Traditional Leaders and Religious Leaders.
“The signing of the strategic document signified the commitment of all parties to pursue the peace agenda through the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls,” she said.
Nyoni also added that through the spotlight initiative the programme has managed to reach at least 8 million people and also 2 500 women benefited from empowerment initiatives under the same programme.
“In terms of service provision, government is also spearheading the provision of services through the One Stop Centre and Safe Shelter Model, which has proved to be very effective in providing a holistic service including temporary shelter to GBV survivors.
“These One Stop Centres are being established in provincial Government Hospitals and we are grateful that the Spotlight Initiative is supporting the upscaling of this model. Through these initiatives at least 250 000 survivors of Gender Based Violence managed to access comprehensive services.
Nyoni went on to review governments plan to inspect the National Gender Policy as well as the National Gender Based Violence strategy which seeks to promote gender equality and the implementation of GBV programmes.
The Spotlight Initiative is a global partnership to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls which is being funded by the EU and implemented through the UN systems.
The overall Spotlight Initiative programme has a concentration of a comprehensive and integrated package of interventions across six (6) pillars which are: Legislative and Policy frameworks, Institutional strengthening, Prevention and Social Norms, Delivery of quality Essential Services, Data Availability and Capacities and Supporting the Women’s Movement.
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