Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
In a significant stride towards addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development officially opened a One-Stop-Centre for survivors at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo.
The event, which coincided with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, was presided over by Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, the Minister of Women Affairs.
In her remarks, which were read by Simon Saunyama on her behalf, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. Judith Ncube, expressed her delight at this milestone development.
“I am gratified that as we commemorate the Provincial 16 Day of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, we are witnessing a milestone development that will greatly impact the service delivery for survivors of Gender-Based Violence in the Province,” Ncube said.
Senator Mutsvangwa, the guest of honor, showered words of gratitude to the partners who assisted in the construction of the Center, including the Japanese Embassy, UNFPA, and Family Support Trust.
The Minister also applauded the representatives from various organizations, including the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Women Network, Provincial Development Officers, and school learners who attended the event.
The One-Stop-Center was built with the assistance of UNFPA and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Addressing the disturbing statistics on gender-based violence presented by the Population Health Services representative, Mutsvangwa emphasized the need for collective action.
“The statistics you gave should make everybody stop and take stock, of what is that, if its in the women movements, if its in government, what is that we have not been doing, or what is that we need to do more, because we continue to see the number of Gender-Based Violence going higher and higher,” she said.
Mutsvangwa urged families to foster love and unity, as she believes that empowered families lead to empowered communities.
“In our homes if we are happy as husbands and wives our children will be empowered, we have empowered families, then we have empowered communities,” she said.
Other speakers such as UNFPA technical specialist on Gender Based Violence, Miranda Tabifor whose speech was read in her behalf by Janneke Bienert said that,
“UNFPA is committed to supporting the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises and its partners both technically and financially to strengthen GBV prevention and response efforts including increasing accessibility and availability of multi-sectoral GBV services.”
The Bulawayo One-Stop-Centre for survivors of Gender-Based Violence is the eighth such facility funded by UNFPA and its partners. Since the program’s inception in 2022, over 150,000 GBV survivors have accessed essential services, including psychosocial support, health services, police, and legal assistance.
Sobukhazi High School Drama club showcased their talents with a superb play on domestic violence in families while Founders High School entertained the crowd with well tuned voices in choral music.
Zim GBC News©2024