#genderequality #SustainingTheGains #GBV
Momentum continued to build today in Bindura, Mashonaland Central as the Ministry represented by the Permanent Secretary Dr. Mavis Sibanda joined the second and final day of the high-level Spotlight/Sustaining the Gains Mission, led by the European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN), and the Embassy of Switzerland.

The mission brought together key stakeholders for an in-depth field assessment of the lasting impact, achievements, and sustainability of the EU-funded Zimbabwe Spotlight Initiative.

The two-day field mission further provided an opportunity to highlight the transformative progress made in the fight against gender-based violence, as well as in the protection and empowerment of women and girls across Zimbabwe.
The One Stop Centres (OSC) in Harare and Mashonaland Central have recorded a lot of successes through provision of timely services to GBV victims with the OSC at Bindura hospital having served over 3000 survivors since its inception in 2020.

Across the two Provinces, One Stop Centres continue to bring multiple essential services together in one location, reducing the need for survivors to travel from office to office while seeking help.

Challenges faced by OSCs:
-Underreporting of GBV cases
-shortage of OSCs
-Resource constraints
-lack of digital case management systems
-unprecedented increase of GBV cases especially in Mash-Central Province.

#SustainingTheGains #genderequality #UN #womenempowerment

The Ministry today joined a high-level Spotlight/Sustaining the Gains Mission, led by the European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN), and the Embassy of Switzerland, on a field tour to assess the impact and achievements of the EU-funded Zimbabwe Spotlight Initiative.

The two-day mission seeks to evaluate the programme’s progress, highlight key successes, and strengthen ongoing efforts to sustain gains made in advancing the rights, protection, and empowerment of women and girls across Zimbabwe.

The field visit kicked off with a tour of the #Zimbabwe Republic Police CID Forensics/DNA Lab, the Public Service Commission and the Epworth Safe Market, and Epworth Static #GBV One Stop Centre.

On day two, the mission will extend its visit to Mashonaland Central and tour the #GBV Static One-Stop Centre and the Feminist Knowledge Hub at the Institute of Young Women in Development (IYWD) in Bindura.

Objectives of the field mission include:
• To provide an opportunity for the mission to learn of the Spotlight Initiative’s support and ongoing work under the successor programme, Sustaining the Gains, with stakeholders and partners in Government, and communities
• To showcase the GBV-WEE nexus demonstrated through the Epworth Safe Market and One-Stop Centre model in Harare Province (Epworth)
• To provide an opportunity for the mission to hold discussions with Implementing Partners on their work, changes that have occurred, and sustainability initiatives.

UNFPA Zimbabwe
EU Delegation to Zimbabwe
Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting Services

GENDER DIVISION URGES POLITICAL PARTIES TO ELIMINATE INTIMIDATION OF WOMEN IN POLITICS

LUSAKA, 29th April, 2026 - The Gender Division under the Cabinet Office has noted with grave concern persistent reports of “Intimidation” of women aspiring for political positions across the country particularly from top party officials. Reports indicate that women are being requested to aspire for lower positions instead of what they want.
Gender Division Permanent Secretary Mainga Kabika has urged political parties to put in place measures that will not disadvantage women in politics and create an environment where women can participate in the socio-economic and political life without fear of exploitation, harassment and abuse.

"The act of party leaders intimidating women seeking elective office is not merely an internal party matter; it is a serious form of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and a predatory deterrent from gender equality in the country. This practice is a fundamental violation of human rights and a direct assault on our democratic values ", Said the Permanent Secretary.
The Permanent Secretary has reiterated that political intimidate of female candidates serves as one of the most significant non-financial barriers to women’s political participation in Zambia. It silences capable voices, undermines meritocracy, and prevents the country from achieving gender parity in decision-making positions.
The Permanent Secretary calls for all Political Parties to put in place the following interventions:

1. All political parties are urged to adopt and strictly enforce written codes of conduct that explicitly define and prohibit any form of intimidation or discouragement.
2. Internal Grievance Mechanisms for safe, anonymous, and independent reporting channels for women candidates who face any form of intimidation.
3. Any party official found to be intimidating female candidates in whatever form should be immediately relieved of their duties and handed over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.

Any woman facing any form of intimidation are encouraged to call the National Gender-Based Violence Call Centre—Toll-Free Helpline 944 to receive professional counselling, legal guidance, and support in a completely confidential environment.

-ENDS
#WomenInPolitics
#GBV
#genderequality

𝐌𝐘𝐆𝐀 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐌𝐋𝐆𝐓𝐀 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐎 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐑𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓
The Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs (MYGA), together with the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs (MLGTA), today held an Inter-Ministerial meeting aimed at strengthening collaboration and finding practical solutions to challenges affecting communities, particularly in rural areas.
Speaking during the meeting, the Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Honourable Ketlhalefile F.C. Motshegwa, underscored the importance of a coordinated approach in improving the lives of young people, children, women and men. Minister Motshegwa noted that rural communities continue to grapple with challenges such as unemployment and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), which require targeted interventions and collective action.
Honourable Motshegwa further revealed that discussions have been held with the Ministry of Finance to mobilise resources for programmes that will directly benefit rural communities and create opportunities for economic participation.

He also proposed the revival of Bogosi-led initiation schools, highlighting their historical role in instilling values, discipline and social responsibility among young people. Minister Motshegwa said traditional teachings and guidance could play a meaningful role in addressing social challenges, including Gender Based Violence.

On her part, Minister Chombo said the recent restructuring of Government Ministries provides a valuable opportunity to build a stronger and more coordinated working relationship between the two Ministries. Minister Chombo noted that MYGA is focused on ensuring that Youth and Gender considerations are integrated into Government programmes and policies so that young people, Men and Women can fully participate in and benefit from economic development initiatives.

Honourable Chombo identified several areas for collaboration, including advancing Women Economic Empowerment (WEE), promoting greater participation of women in leadership and decision-making spaces, and supporting efforts towards gender equality legislation. Chombo also emphasised the importance of information and data sharing on programmes such as Ikageng to support informed planning and ensure interventions respond effectively to the needs of women and vulnerable groups.

On Youth Development , Minister Chombo highlighted the Youth Development Fund (YDF), implemented in partnership with UNICEF, as one of the key programmes supporting young people, particularly those in rural communities. She noted that greater emphasis would be placed on mentorship, coaching and skills development through partnerships with local authorities and the Botswana Association of Local Authorities (BALA).

Honourable Chombo further stressed that enhanced collaboration and data sharing between Ministries would help identify opportunities, address service gaps and minimise duplication, ultimately improving the impact of Government programmes on beneficiaries.

The meeting reflects Government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships, enhancing service delivery and creating inclusive opportunities that improve the lives of Batswana, particularly young people, Women and Men in rural communities.

Silence protects abuse. Speaking out can save a life.
Every report matters in the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. If you see it, hear it, or suspect it — speak up.
Crime Stop: 08600 10111
GBV Command Centre: 0800 428 428
#StopGBVF
#EndGBVF
#SpeakOut

#FaithLeaders have a powerful role in shaping attitudes, values, and communities.

Today, the Ministry, in partnership with United Nations Development Programme, UN Women, and the Gender and Faith Network Side by Side Zimbabwe convened church leaders and representatives from across #Zimbabwe for a three-day national conference aimed at strengthening the Church’s role in advancing gender justice and ending #genderbasedviolence.

Together, we are equipping faith leaders to champion positive social norms, promote gender equality, and inspire communities to stand against #GBV.

Stronger faith communities. Safer communities.
A more equal Zimbabwe .