President Mnangagwa Launches High‑Level Compact to End GBV
“There is no turning back on building a gender‑based violence‑free Zimbabwe,” President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared at the launch of the High‑Level Political Compact, which also opened the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV.
He pledged to strengthen laws, tighten policies and mobilise communities to protect women, girls and children, with special focus on tackling the surge in online abuse.
The President said government is determined to create a society that is just and free of gender‑based violence, where all citizens can live fulfilling lives without fear of harm.
He directed institutions to consolidate recent gains by tightening laws, improving policy execution, and resourcing frontline services.
This year’s commemorations run under the theme “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.”
Mnangagwa described the theme as a call to strengthen online safety, ensure rapid removal of abusive content, and protect women and girls from emerging forms of digital abuse.
He said the High‑Level Political Compact provides a coordinated national response by defining clear roles for ministries, setting shared targets across justice, health and social welfare, and directing funding to prevention and survivor support.
The compact builds on the National GBV Response and Prevention Strategy and will drive the Women in Leadership and Decision‑Making Strategy, aimed at increasing women’s participation in leadership and reducing violence in political spaces.
Mnangagwa urged ministries and agencies to mainstream gender by training frontline staff, integrating GBV screening in public services, expanding safe shelters, and tracking case outcomes.
He acknowledged the Ministry of Women Affairs, traditional and religious leaders, communities and development partners for sustaining national efforts.
Despite progress, he warned that new drivers of GBV such as drug and substance abuse demand sustained attention.
He encouraged citizens to engage in honest dialogue, speak out against abuse, and take action during the 16 Days of Activism and beyond.
The campaign runs from November 25 to December 10 as part of global efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls.
Mnangagwa said the pledge is a standing commitment: there is no turning back on ending GBV in Zimbabwe.
-SundayMail
