Zimbabwe Unites to End Gender-Based Violence at First-Ever Service Providers Fair

By Ilyana Sithole

In a unique event for Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Gender Commission organized the maiden GBV Service Providers’ Fair and Road Show at the Africa Unity Square in Harare. The two-day event which marks part of the ongoing global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, will wind up today. It is meant to raise awareness about gender-based violence and highlight the plethora of services available for survivors.

The Commissioner and Chairperson of the ZGC, Margaret Mukahanana Sangarwe, officially opened the Fair yesterday with a keynote address that sent shockwaves. “I am deeply honoured to address you today at this momentous occasion as we commemorate the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,” she said as she addressed the theme: “Towards 30 Years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: Unite to End Violence Against Women.”

Commissioner Sangarwe called for speedy address to GBV, drawing into statistic evidence the 1 in every 3 women between ages 15 and 49, victims of physical violence; 1 of every 4 being victims of sexual violence.
“These numbers are not just figures; they represent our mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends who suffer in silence,” she exclaimed, adding: “Gender based violence violates human rights, threatens public health, and doubles as a barrier to social and economic development”.

The Commissioner lauded the City of Harare for being a partner, and also recognised timely support from ActionAid Zimbabwe, Oxfam, and Goal Zimbabwe which made the Fair possible.

The fair’s main objective is to raise awareness about the services available to survivors of GBV, ensuring they know where to seek help in times of need. To achieve this, various organizations – including civil society groups, faith-based organizations, government ministries, and private sector representatives – have set up booths offering legal assistance, counseling, and healthcare services.

Additionally, this collaborative effort played a very critical role in the commissioner’s assertion that ” By bringing all service providers together in one place, we facilitate greater access to GBV services promote public awareness, and foster collaboration among the diverse stakeholders involved in GBV prevention and response.” Commissioner Sangarwe added that “The collaboration was necessary to make sure that no survivor is left behind without support.”

Furthermore, the timing of the Fair was also very symbolic, as it occurred on December 3rd-the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The event brought to the fore that this group experiences challenges unlike any other groups, with GBV being one of those unique features. “Persons with disabilities often face unique challenges and are disproportionately affected by GBV, highlighted Sangarwe.

Moreso, “to combat GBV effectively, we must adopt a holistic, inclusive approach that ensures survivors – regardless of their gender, background, or disability status – have access to the support services they need.” The commitment to inclusivity from the ZGC was visible through the event, where much of the discussion was centered on making services accessible for everyone, regardless of gender, background, or disability status.

As an independent constitutional body, the ZGC serves as a key agency for observing the actual implementation of the gender equality provisions. Commissioner Sangarwe reassured the crowd of the Commission’s commitment to justice for survivors, coupled with a more formidable framework in terms of legal and policy responses to prevent and address GBV.

The event encourages participants to interact with service providers, attend workshops, and share experiences. Commissioner Sangarwe called upon all citizens to join the fight against GBV, urging men and boys to become active allies: “We implore you to challenge patriarchal norms and promote healthy relationships,” she said, echoing the sentiments of the “Love Shouldn’t Hurt” campaign.

The momentum generated by the GBV Service Providers Fair culminates today, December and will overflow beyond its closure. It has stood out as testimony to the needed effort in combating GBV and has fostered hope for a future where all Zimbabweans can live free from fear and violence.

Commissioner Sangware’s words reechoed the commitment of ZGC in ensuring survivors can access justice and get the much-needed support, while calling on all stakeholders to continue working toward a safer Zimbabwe, free from violence and fear. “Inclusion of all in ending GBV is the only sure way of creating a more inclusive Zimbabwe where all can live free from violence and fear,” she concluded leaving the attendees inspired and motivated for long after the fair ends in their fight against GBV.

The GBV Service Providers’ Fair is likely to go a long way in the community to raise awareness about the available services and instill a culture of support and solidarity for survivors. Having brought all these stakeholders together, the fair is likely to make the collaboration and coordination in service provision much easier, hence leading to better and more efficient support systems for survivors.

Additionally, inclusivity and access are core themes of the fair, thus creating avenues to break barriers around accessing the GBV service by marginalised communities, including people living with disabilities. Essentially, this is an important step toward ensuring a more conducive environment for every citizen of Zimbabwe, the impact of which may outlast the event.

The first-ever GBV Service Providers Fair is not just an event, but a very vital step toward a better future for all Zimbabweans-a future in which, together, violence can be ended and everyone is able to thrive.