By Health Times Correspondent
Women’s rights groups have urged the government to establish independent commissions to monitor and evaluate the implementation of gender policies amid a rise in gender-based violence (GBV) cases.
The country recently joined the global campaign for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which emphasizes preventing violence against women and girls.
The theme for the 2025 16 Days of Activism is “Unite to End Digital Violence against all Women and Girls.”
The campaign highlights the growing threat of online abuse and harassment, calling for collective action to make digital spaces safer.
Speaking to HealthTimes during the 16 Days Against Gender-Based Violence march in Dema that was hosted by the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ), with support from Norwegian People’s Aid. Director for Shamwari Yemwanasikana and member of the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe, Ekenia Chifamba, said they expect the government to monitor the implementation of gender policies.
“A lot is happening in the digital space; women continue to be victims of cyber bullying. We applaud President Emmerson Mnangagwa for the gender policies introduced; however, there is a need to establish independent commissions to assess their implementation. We have noted that some remote communities are unaware of these policies,” Chifamba added.
Alfred Njanika, who joined the march, said he used to beat his wife but changed after spending a night in police cells last year.
Njanika told Health Times that he grew up witnessing his father beat his mother, a behaviour he thought was acceptable for someone who paid Lobola.
Ministry of Women Affairs Seke Acting District Development Officer Tabeth Zindoga said the government is working with traditional leaders to educate communities about digital abuse.
“We have been working with traditional leaders to educate villagers on their rights online. Village heads have been very helpful,” she added.
