Source: New initiative to intensify fight against gender-based violence – herald
Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
THE Government and the European Union have pledged to intensify their partnership in the fight against Gender-Based Violence through a new initiative, “Sustaining the Gains”, which aims to consolidate and expand the successes of the recently concluded Spotlight Initiative.
This came out yesterday when EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe Katrin Hagemann paid a courtesy call on Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa to discuss the implementation of the new programme.
Speaking after the closed-door meeting, Minister Mutsvangwa said the new project is critical for strengthening accountability and ensuring that the protection of women and girls remains a national priority.
“This is exciting, meeting just a week after we launched the ‘Sustaining the Gains’ programme. The Spotlight Initiative allowed us to build one-stop centres which have become very effective in terms of GBV response,” Minister Mutsvangwa said.
The minister noted that the one-stop centre model — which provides legal aid, police services, counselling and medical care under one roof — has broken barriers for survivors who previously feared leaving abusive homes due to a lack of support for their children.
“We have one in Epworth, which has been very good. It includes a creche for the children and a market shelter where survivors can continue with livelihood skills. If they want to order and sell vegetables, they can do so while being protected,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa stressed that the fight against GBV is a cornerstone of the country’s push toward Vision 2030.
Ambassador Hagemann expressed satisfaction with the Ministry’s commitment, describing it as one of the EU’s best partners.
She also added that while the Spotlight Initiative had ended, the EU was returning to ensure the momentum was not lost.
“We discussed what else can be done to continue the gains and strengthen the one-stop shops. I would like to see more women in business and working on strengthening their enterprises, including getting their products to markets outside Zimbabwe and into Europe,” Ambassador Hagemann said.
The “Sustaining the Gains” programme is expected to bridge the funding gap following the end of the Spotlight Initiative, with the Government and development partners working together to reach women in the most remote areas of the country.
The programme, unveiled during its inaugural meeting of the National Steering Committee held yesterday, boasts a budget of approximately US$4,5 million.
It is supported by e2 million from the European Union, US$2 million from the Embassy of Switzerland, and US$200 000 from the United Nations.
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