A loud call to a collective approach to end GBV in societies has been made during a massive campaign to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence which was conducted on Saturday 6 December 2025 in Chitungwiza at Chigovanyika shopping centre.
A platform organised by Chitungwiza Municipality was meant to raise awareness on the negative effects of gender based violence against women and girls and the dangers of drug and substance abuse and was being supported by HeForShe movement which is a global movement that advocates for the rights of a girl child, UN Women, Chitungwiza Municipality, Teen Rescue Mission and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development with support from the Canadian Embassy.
In her address to the attendants, Women’s Movement Secretary for Administration Betty Jasoni has called for intensified collective approach in societies to end harassment of women and girls expressing that peaceful and just societies create endless opportunities for development and innovation.
“Youth leaders, your voices matter and you must continue to speak against gender based violence challenging stereotypes and support survivors of gender-based violence.
“To all the young men, respect yourselves and others, get rid of toxic associations. Also parents you need to value education since it is key to break cycles of discrimination, violence and poverty protect your daughters from child marriages.
“As communities, we must begin to nurture good morals at household levels. Religious leaders, use pulpits to preach against GBV, call to action and respect equality. Let us work together to create an environment that accommodates and nurtures everyone hence creating possibilities for development, “she said
HeForShe Champion Abraham Matuka has indicated digital security as pivotal in achieving equality and justice for everyone across the globe.
“Child marriage is still a reality, more than 16 percent of girls in Zimbabwe are married before they turn 18 years of age putting them at greater risk of abuse and poverty. This year alone, over 30 000 cases of gender-based violence were reported to Musasa Project and 35 women were reported killed by intimate partners in just six months. These are lives lost because of silence and harmful norms.
The global theme for the 2025 16 Days to end GBV is “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls” and it focuses on one of the fastest growing forms of abuse: digital violence against women and girls.
“While technology has transformed our lives, it has also become a tool of harm. From deepfakes and surveillance to online harassment and sexual exploitation, technology‑facilitated gender‑based violence (TFGBV) is reshaping the landscape of sexual and gender‑based violence (SGBV).This year’s campaign reminds us that digital safety is central to gender equality and to building healthier, more resilient societies,”he said
One of the young people Takunda who shared a message said “I just want to say no to drugs,no to GBV, pursue your dreams as young people since you are the future leaders, do not interfere with immortality,”he said
“As a young lady, I just want to encourage my fellow ladies that we should report any form of harrasment.If we expose it, it means we are terminating it before it develops into a complex global situation.
“In the case of arguments, let us look for peaceful ways of resolving differences,”she said
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that takes place from November 25 to December 10.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence, advocate for policy changes to prevent and respond to violence and support survivors and promote a culture of respect and equality
In Zimbabwe, the campaign is crucial, as the country grapples with high rates of gender-based violence. Various organizations, government agencies, and individuals come together to raise awareness and push for change.
