Zim Women Rally for Justice in March Against Gender-Based Violence
Scores of women and allies gathered on Friday in Harare for a powerful demonstration marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
By Lovejoy Mutongwiza
Organized by the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCOZ), the march began at Milton Park and culminated at Belgravia shops. It was a call to action to end GBV and a declaration of solidarity with survivors.
Among the key organizations involved was the Institute for Young Women’s Development (IYWD), whose representatives joined the march to amplify the voices of young women in the fight against violence.
Nancy Likiripa , Programs Associate at IYWD, delivered heartfelt remarks during the event, urging for systemic change.
“Gender-based violence is a human rights issue. We must hold perpetrators accountable while creating safe spaces for women and girls to thrive. This fight is collective, and today’s march proves that change is possible when we come together,” she said.
WCOZ Chairperson Muchanyara Cynthia Mukamuri used the platform to address the root causes exacerbating GBV, including food insecurity, unemployment, and drug abuse, which have worsened due to the El Niño-induced drought.
“Cases of GBV are on the rise due to food insecurity, unemployment, drug abuse, girl child dropouts, unwanted pregnancies, and conflicts that lead to violence. Despite these hardships, we call for peaceful resolution of conflicts rather than inflicting pain on one another,” Mukamuri said.
This year’s campaign holds special significance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, a landmark global agreement on gender equality.
Among the participants was Irene Sithole, Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Blind Women Trust, who highlighted the unique challenges faced by women with disabilities.
“Women with disabilities often face even greater violence due to their dependence on caregivers, who may be the perpetrators. Zimbabwe has strong anti-GBV laws, but we must ensure they are enforced and supported by dedicated institutions,” Sithole said.
Mildred Mapingure, representing the Women Lawyers Association, stressed the need for stricter penalties for perpetrators.
“Our ultimate objective is zero tolerance for gender-based violence. We believe this can be achieved by advocating for stricter penalties, such as longer jail sentences and, if possible, corporal punishment,” she stated.
She also called on men to break their silence, emphasizing that GBV affects everyone and requires a united front to address.
The march followed WCOZ’s presentation of a petition to Parliament the day before, urging lawmakers to prioritize GBV prevention in national policies. The petition highlighted legislative gaps and called for increased funding for survivor support services.
“We have had enough of the rhetoric. We need action,” said one participant. “Women’s voices must not only be heard but also reflected in decision-making processes.”
