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Sixteen Days of Vigilance: A Collective Call to End Gender-Based Violence

Sixteen Days of Vigilance: A Collective Call to End Gender-Based Violence

In Gweru, Zimbabwe, the spirit of unity and advocacy took center stage at a recent dialogue meeting organized by the Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRA).

Held at the Oasis of Hope Church under the theme “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,” the gathering provided a crucial platform for community members, local leaders, and civil society organizations to join forces in tackling gender-based violence (GBV).

The meeting served as a rallying point for all stakeholders to deepen their understanding of GBV, explore the social and cultural contributors to violence, and evaluate the legal protections currently in place.

By sharing knowledge and experiences, participants aimed to identify gaps and barriers to justice, ultimately paving the way for more responsive support systems for survivors.

Cornelia Selipiwe, Executive Director of GRRA, set the tone by emphasizing the power of these 16 days of activism. “This period isn’t just symbolic,” he explained.

“It is a strong call for everyone to unite for gender equality.”

His remarks reminded participants that community-driven advocacy is vital in combating societal norms that perpetuate GBV.

Selipiwe further underscored how limited access to essential services—especially safe, reliable water—places a disproportionate burden on women.

“The water crisis impacts women more than men,” he explained.

“This issue is urgent and must be addressed immediately, particularly in high-density suburbs where access to clean water is lacking.”

Participants agreed that improving water access is not just a matter of convenience but a critical step in enhancing overall community health and reducing the daily vulnerabilities that women face.

Titus Mangoma, Provincial Coordinator of the National Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (NANGO), brought attention to the alarming rise in gender-based violence over the years. Citing the World Health Organization, he noted that:

“Approximately 1 in 3 women (about 30%) worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner or sexual violence by a non-partner at some point in their lives.”

This statistic reinforced the meeting’s urgency, reminding everyone of the far-reaching and deeply damaging effects of GBV, whether emotional, physical, or psychological.

(Left to right) (WCOZ) Chairperson, Merjury Makunere and Gweru’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor Nyaradzo Madzikura

A call for action to address local health services was raised by Gweru’s Women Coalition for Change (WCOZ) Chairperson, Merjury Makunere.

She advocated for drilling boreholes at Mkoba Polytechnic Clinic and restoring the Mkoba 1 maternity ward:

“We need to restore the Mkoba 1 maternity ward to reduce the pressure on other local clinics,” she said.

“Many women in our community rely on this facility for safe deliveries. With its current closure, they are forced to seek care elsewhere, often in overcrowded conditions. Restoring this ward would provide a much-needed solution, ensuring that mothers receive the quality care they deserve in a safe and supportive environment.”

Responding to these concerns, Gweru’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor Nyaradzo Madzikura, pledged the council’s commitment to addressing critical challenges such as refuse collection and water supply.

She assured participants that these matters would be treated with urgency, recognizing their importance in fostering a safe and healthy community.

The meeting concluded with a series of actionable strategies proposed by residents to combat GBV, including:

  • Awareness Campaigns: Facilitating training and community dialogues to educate residents about GBV and reduce stigma around reporting incidents.
  • Community Engagement: Hosting regular meetings between residents, local leaders, and law enforcement to strengthen trust and collaboration.
  • Policy Advocacy: Lobbying for stricter regulations and policies that protect survivors, ensure justice, and hold perpetrators accountable.

These recommendations reflect the community’s collective desire for a safer environment—one that guarantees dignity, respect, and equal opportunity for every resident, particularly the most vulnerable groups.

Through consistent dialogue, resource mobilization, and policy advocacy, Gweru aims to turn the momentum generated by the 16 Days of Activism into lasting positive change.

The recent dialogue meeting serves as a model of how inclusive, community-focused approaches can address complex issues like GBV.

By fostering collaboration among residents, civil society, and local leaders, Gweru is stepping forward with concrete solutions that center on empowerment and shared responsibility—ensuring that the fight against gender-based violence remains a collective commitment every day of the year.

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