Siziba Thando
Sports reporter
In a powerful new alliance, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) have officially partnered to tackle one of society’s most persistent crises: gender-based violence (GBV).
Under the banner “Together, ZIFA & UNFPA are using football to drive change,” the organizations are leveraging the sport’s unifying appeal to shift social norms and provide critical support to survivors.
The initiative, dubbed the “Final Whistle Against Violence,” aims to transform stadiums, training grounds, and fan zones into platforms for awareness, prevention, and action. By engaging players, coaches, referees, and supporters, the partnership seeks to reach millions of Zimbabweans with a clear message: every voice matters, and every action counts.
“Football has the power to unite, to inspire, and to protect,” a joint statement from the two organizations read. “Together with UNFPA, we are standing firm in the fight to end gender-based violence. Let’s use the game we love to drive real change.”
As part of the campaign, match-day materials and team assets will prominently feature two toll-free helplines, offering immediate, confidential support for survivors of abuse:
· Musasa Project: 08080074 (a leading Zimbabwean GBV support organization)
· Childline: 116 (24/7 emergency counseling for children and young people)
These numbers will serve as a visible lifeline, reminding fans that help is just a call away. The campaign encourages witnesses and survivors to break the silence, seek help, and report abuse without fear of stigma.
Gender-based violence remains widespread in Zimbabwe, with one in three women experiencing physical or sexual violence in her lifetime, according to UNFPA estimates. The partnership with ZIFA recognizes that football—the nation’s most beloved sport—offers an unprecedented channel to reach men, boys, and entire communities.
Activities will include:
· Awareness sessions with Premier League clubs and academy teams
· Public announcements at matches promoting respect and equality
· Trainings for coaches and referees on recognizing signs of abuse and referring survivors to support services
· Youth tournaments centered on messages of consent, boundaries, and healthy relationships
UNFPA has long championed the elimination of GBV as a cornerstone of its 2030 agenda. By partnering with ZIFA, the agency is embedding that global goal into the rhythm of local life—90 minutes at a time.
The campaign also aligns with FIFA’s wider “Football for Change” objectives, using the sport as a vehicle for social development and human rights.
Final Whistle, New Beginning
As the tagline suggests, the “Final Whistle Against Violence” symbolizes more than the end of a match—it represents the collective goal of a society that no longer tolerates abuse.
Fans are encouraged to join the conversation online using the hashtags #EndGBV and #FootballForChange.
If you or someone you know is experiencing gender-based violence, call the toll-free helplines: Musasa at 08080074 or Childline at 116. You are not alone.
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