BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
The Government has put in place Safe Shelters and One Stop Centres that provide comprehensive Gender Based Violence (GBV) services to women across the country, Vice President Colonel (RTD) Kembo Mohadi has said.
VP Mohadi revealed this at the High-Level Women in Leadership Summit which was hosted by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, in Harare last week.
The two day summit ran under the theme; “Accelerating Gender Parity through Collective Action: Strengthening Accountability and Solidarity to Transform Policies into Tangible Progress.”
VP Mohadi said the Safe Shelters and One Stop Centres were necessary as the country deals with the GBV vice which continues to mar the developments which have been made to increase women’s participation in public life.
“While all the above interventions are in place, the Government is alive to the challenges posed by Gender Based Violence in our society.
“In response, the Government developed the High Level Political Compact on ending Gender Based Violence and harmful Practices, which the President acceded to, together with other progressive partners.
“In addition, laws and policies have been reviewed to align them with the new developments in the policy environment.
“These include the marriages Act Ch.5.17, Section 70 of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act, as well as the Public Service Sexual Harassment Policy.
“Additionally, the Government has put in place Safe Shelters and One Stop Centres that provide comprehensive Gender Based Violence services to women across the country,” said VP Mohadi.
In his solidarity message at the summit, Edward Kallon, UN Resident Coordinator, said it was necessary to continue fighting GBV as it prevents women from reaching their full potential.
“Gender-Based Violence is a significant barrier to women’s entry into and advancement within leadership roles.
“It creates a hostile environment that undermines their confidence, restricts their opportunities, and perpetuates gender inequality.
“Addressing GBV is crucial to enabling women to step into leadership roles. UNFPA’s comprehensive approach to combating GBV, from policy advocacy to survivor support, plays a key role in breaking down the barriers that limit women’s leadership potential,” said Kallon.
He also revealed that by creating safer, more supportive environments, UNFPA helps pave the way for women to take on leadership roles across all sectors of society.
“We must also double our efforts in addressing obstacles to women in leadership and political participation.
“The UN General Assembly Resolution 66/130 of 2012 should be our collective rallying point. The UN Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women (UN-Women) is leading the UN effort to promote gender equality and empowerment of women with support from the UNDP and other Agencies, Funds and Programmes.
“The UN entities are working together to support the government to develop the third National Gender Policy.
“We have also collectively worked together in the development of a Women in Decision Making and Leadership National Strategy. “While we do not have all the answers as the UN, we will continue working with the Government of Zimbabwe and its people to achieve your desire for reaching gender parity in all spheres of development.”
