Aldridge Dzvene
The fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Zimbabwe has taken significant strides, with the government reaffirming its unwavering commitment to end violence against women and girls. Central to this progress is the Spotlight Initiative, a collaborative programme supported by the United Nations and the European Union, which has recorded notable achievements since its inception.
According to the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, the programme has surpassed expectations, reaching over five million beneficiaries against an initial target of two million. This progress is viewed not just as a statistical success, but as a milestone that speaks to the potential of multisectoral coordination in addressing long-standing societal issues.
Among the major highlights of the initiative is the signing of the High-Level Political Compact on Gender-Based Violence by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in October 2021. The Compact has provided high-level political direction and commitment to eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls, including child marriage, which remains a deep-rooted concern in some communities.
Zimbabwe’s participation in the global €500 million Spotlight Initiative places it among 22 countries prioritising gender justice through institutional and societal change. The country has so far received over US$30 million to fund its interventions. These resources have enabled a range of critical services and programmes, especially in rural communities where GBV cases are often underreported and poorly addressed.
With implementation driven by the UN, the Ministry of Women Affairs, civil society actors, and various development partners, the programme has delivered both direct and indirect benefits. It has targeted vulnerable populations, such as women and girls with disabilities, those living with HIV, and survivors of sexual violence. One-stop centres and safe shelters have been established across Zimbabwe’s provinces, offering integrated support services for GBV survivors. These include medical care, psychosocial support, legal aid, and temporary shelter.
The strength of the Spotlight Initiative lies in its model of inclusivity, accountability, and transparency. By bringing together civil society, international organisations, and state actors, it creates a foundation for sustainable, community-based approaches to GBV prevention. The continued political will, backed by results-driven programming and community engagement, signals a hopeful future where violence against women and girls becomes a thing of the past.
As the initiative continues to evolve, the focus remains on institutionalising these gains, ensuring that no woman or girl is left behind, and that the commitment to gender justice is embedded in the country’s development agenda.
