Zimbabwe Gender Commission steps up efforts to end partner violence

Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent

THE Zimbabwe Gender Commission is stepping up efforts to end intimate partner violence through a 90-day national campaign aimed at strengthening prevention, early intervention and support for survivors amid growing concern over cases of domestic violence, including fatal disputes.

The campaign, which runs from October to December 2026 and culminates in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, seeks to promote peaceful relationships, encourage reporting of abuse and strengthen institutional responses to domestic violence.

Addressing journalists in Harare recently, ZGC chairperson Dr Leslie Ncube said intimate partner violence remained a serious national concern requiring coordinated efforts from Government, civil society, communities and other stakeholders.

He said the Zimbabwe Republic Police recorded at least 13 838 cases of sexual offences and aggravated domestic violence in 2024.

The Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) 2023-2024 also revealed that 27 percent of women aged between 15 and 49 have experienced physical violence, while nine percent had experienced sexual violence in their lifetime.

“The Commission is deeply concerned by the increasing number of reported cases of fatal domestic disputes. These incidents underscore the urgent need for strengthened early intervention, prevention, and coordinated national response mechanisms to prevent domestic conflicts from escalating into violence and loss of life,” said Dr Ncube.

He said the campaign will focus on five key areas, including public awareness and sensitisation, Government and institutional engagement, involving men and boys in prevention, engaging faith-based and traditional leaders to promote peaceful homes, and promoting supportive and safe workplaces.

Dr Ncube said the initiative was part of efforts to implement the High-Level Political Compact to End Gender-Based Violence and Harmful Practices in Zimbabwe (2021-2030), launched by President Mnangagwa, and the National Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence (2023-2030).

The compact seeks to eradicate sexual violence, child marriage and intimate partner violence by 2030, while targeting a 20 to 30 percent reduction in the national prevalence of gender-based violence.

He said the campaign will shift the national response from addressing violence after it occurred to identifying warning signs, promoting healthy relationships, encouraging mental health dialogue and strengthening survivor support systems.

While women and girls continued to bear a disproportionate burden of gender-based violence, Dr Ncube said men and boys could also experience intimate partner violence, with stigma and harmful expectations of masculinity often discouraging them from seeking help.

He called on communities to report cases of domestic violence in line with the Anti-Domestic Violence Act of 2007, while urging Government institutions and service providers to strengthen prevention, protection, referral and justice mechanisms.

Dr Ncube also urged men and boys to reject violence, while calling on religious and traditional leaders to challenge harmful norms and promote peaceful families.

He said ending intimate partner violence required collective action from Government, civil society, development partners, the private sector, families and communities.

Source: Zimbabwe Gender Commission steps up efforts to end partner violence – herald

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