Towards Zero Gender-Based Violence: A Wake-Up Call for Zimbabwe and the Region

Clive Tatenda Makumbe in Zimbabwe

Gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful practices continue to plague West and Central Africa, as outlined in the recent UNFPA Acceleration Paper, Towards Zero Gender-Based Violence and Harmful Practices in West and Central Africa.

This comprehensive report reveals the alarming prevalence of GBV, female genital mutilation (FGM), and child marriage in the region, while offering a roadmap for accelerated progress. As Zimbabwe grapples with its own gender equality challenges, the lessons from this report are both timely and pertinent.

The Regional Crisis

Across West and Central Africa, GBV is widespread and normalized, affecting millions of women and girls. The statistics are staggering: 10–30% of women aged 15–49 experience physical or sexual violence annually, with some countries reporting even higher figures among younger women.

Harmful practices like FGM and child marriage remain rampant, driven by deep-seated patriarchal norms, poverty, and cultural practices.

Zimbabwe is no stranger to these challenges. While FGM is not a significant issue locally, child marriage and GBV remain critical concerns.

According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT), one in three women in Zimbabwe experiences some form of violence in her lifetime. Child marriage affects about 34% of girls in the country, robbing them of education and economic opportunities.

Why Change Remains Slow

The UNFPA report identifies several bottlenecks hindering progress in West and Central Africa, many of which resonate with Zimbabwe’s context. Chief among these are:

• Policy Gaps and Weak Implementation: Laws exist but are often not enforced. In Zimbabwe, although the legal age of marriage was raised to 18, enforcement remains inconsistent.
• Cultural and Religious Resistance: Traditional and religious beliefs often perpetuate harmful practices, making progress slow.
• Funding Shortfalls: Limited resources undermine efforts to provide critical services and implement transformative programs.
• Intersectional Challenges: Issues like poverty, climate change, and migration exacerbate vulnerabilities for women and girls.

Zimbabwe’s own challenges mirror these, with economic hardships, weak enforcement of gender-based policies, and cultural resistance creating formidable barriers to progress.

What Works: A Roadmap for Change

The report emphasizes the need for a multi-pronged approach to tackle GBV and harmful practices. These strategies could be adapted to Zimbabwe’s unique context:

1. Education and Economic Empowerment: Keeping girls in school is a proven strategy for reducing child marriage. Initiatives like cash transfers and scholarships can help families prioritize education over early marriage.
2. Community Engagement: Social norms that perpetuate GBV require collective action. Engaging men and boys, as well as traditional and religious leaders, can shift entrenched attitudes.
3. Strengthening Policies and Enforcement: While Zimbabwe has progressive laws on paper, robust implementation is critical. Policymakers must ensure that gender-based violence laws are adequately funded and enforced.
4. Comprehensive Services for Survivors: Victims of GBV require access to healthcare, legal assistance, and psychosocial support. Coordinated service provision can help survivors rebuild their lives.

The report also highlights the importance of leveraging technology for advocacy, reporting, and service delivery—an area Zimbabwe can further explore.

The Role of Stakeholders

The fight against GBV cannot be won by governments alone. Civil society organizations, traditional leaders, international partners, and communities must all play a role. In West and Central Africa, feminist movements have been instrumental in driving policy change.

Zimbabwe must nurture and support local advocacy groups to amplify women’s voices and influence policymaking.

Moreover, funding remains a critical issue. The UNFPA report underscores the economic case for addressing GBV: the costs of inaction far outweigh the investment required.

For Zimbabwe, prioritizing gender equality in national budgets is not just a social imperative but an economic one. Ending child marriage and increasing women’s participation in the workforce can unlock significant economic gains.

A Call to Action

The report’s findings are a stark reminder that the road to gender equality is long and arduous. However, the potential for transformative change is immense.

Zimbabwe can draw inspiration from the strategies outlined in the report and adapt them to its local context.

As we approach the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals deadline, the government, civil society, and communities must redouble efforts to create a safe and equitable environment for women and girls.

The path to zero GBV and harmful practices begins with acknowledging the scale of the problem, investing in solutions, and holding ourselves accountable for progress.

Let us not wait another generation to act. The time for Zimbabwe—and the region—is now. Together, we can build a future where every woman and girl can live free from violence and reach her full potential.

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This editorial is inspired by findings from the UNFPA report, with reflections on Zimbabwe’s gender equality landscape. For more information, visit [UNFPA West and Central Africa Regional Office].