The consultative meeting on the development of the African Union Convention on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, held on October 21, 2024, at the Crowne Plaza Monomotapa Hotel, marks a significant milestone for Zimbabwe and the African continent at large.
As articulated in the opening remarks by Dr. Mavis Sibanda, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, and Small to Medium Enterprises Development, the gathering reflects Zimbabwe’s dedication to addressing the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) and contributing to a landmark continental framework.
The African Union’s initiative to create a homegrown convention is a bold and commendable step toward eradicating violence against women and girls across the continent. Dr. Sibanda rightly highlighted the importance of this approach, which allows African nations to develop policies and strategies that resonate with the unique cultural, social, and economic realities of their people. By embracing a framework tailored specifically to African contexts, the AU is ensuring that the voices of women and girls from diverse backgrounds are heard and their challenges addressed.
Zimbabwe’s role in this process, as emphasized by Dr. Sibanda, is pivotal. The country’s proactive stance in engaging various stakeholders—from government officials and civil society organizations to private sector representatives and international partners—demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and collaboration. This multisectoral approach, long embraced by Zimbabwe in its fight against GBV, ensures that a wide range of perspectives are integrated into the convention, making it robust and impactful.
Furthermore, the government’s recognition of the essential role played by civil society and development partners in tackling GBV is a testament to its openness to dialogue and partnership. The presence of diverse voices at the consultative meeting, from grassroots organizations to international bodies like the UN, underscores the importance of collective action in addressing such a deeply rooted issue.
Dr. Sibanda’s call for active participation in the discussions reflects a clear understanding that the success of the convention lies in the contributions of all stakeholders. Her emphasis on ensuring that Zimbabwe’s aspirations and priorities are reflected in the final document is a reminder that this convention must not only address the symptoms of GBV but also tackle its underlying causes, rooted in cultural, economic, and systemic inequalities.
The development of this African Union Convention positions the continent as a global leader in the fight against gender-based violence. It is a clear demonstration of Africa’s ability to craft its own solutions to its challenges, setting an example for other regions to follow. By creating a framework that reflects African values and experiences, the convention will foster regional solidarity and strengthen the collective resolve to protect the rights and dignity of women and girls across the continent.
Zimbabwe’s commitment to this process, as articulated by Dr. Sibanda, is both inspiring and necessary. The consultative meeting is not just an exercise in policy development—it is a crucial step toward building a future where women and girls can live free from violence and oppression. With the active involvement of all stakeholders, Zimbabwe is poised to make significant contributions to a convention that will have a lasting impact on generations to come.
As we move forward, it is essential to remember that this process is not merely about crafting policies. It is about ensuring that the dreams, hopes, and aspirations of millions of women and girls across Africa are realized. Zimbabwe’s active role in shaping the African Union Convention is a powerful statement of its commitment to a safer, more just future for all.
