Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. THE Spotlight Initiative, a global programme supported by the European Union (EU) and United Nations (UN) has made notable progress in Zimbabwe, with beneficiaries exceeding five million — more than double the initial target of two million.
At least 22 nations, including Zimbabwe, are benefiting from the €500 million UN-EU Spotlight Initiative.
Zimbabwe received US$30 million in support, which has been used for systemic change to address gender-based violence, survivor support and awareness initiatives.
Addressing journalists recently, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development minister Monica Mutsvangwa expressed satisfaction with the progress made.
“The Zimbabwe Spotlight Initiative Country Programme has recorded significant gains. Of note is the High-Level Political Compact on Gender-Based Violence which was signed by His Excellency the President in October 2021. “It clearly demonstrates top-level political commitment to ending violence against women and girls and harmful practices like child marriages,” she said.
Implemented by the UN in collaboration with the Women Affairs ministry and civil society organisations, the programme has taken a holistic and inclusive approach to tackling GBV.
Particular attention has been given to rural women and girls, persons with disabilities and women living with HIV.
Safe shelters and one-stop centres have been set up across all provinces, providing critical services such as psychosocial support, medical care, legal aid and temporary accommodation for survivors.
Mutsvangwa said the collaborative approach was crucial to the success of the programme.
“The partnership model involving civil society groups, UN agencies and government departments has proven to be very effective in both prevention and response to GBV,” she said.
“Through this framework, we have empowered communities while building national capacity to tackle the root causes of violence.”
Meanwhile, the government has vowed to continue building on the progress made, ensuring that no one falls behind in the battle against gender-based violence.
The aim is that with political will, strong alliances and long-term programming, Zimbabwe will one day be free of gender-based violence.
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