By Michael Gwarisa A tripartite partnership that includes the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Save the Children and Family Support Trust (FST), has been formed in a bid to promote the uptake of Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), HIV services as well as reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of young people, migrants and individuals living in migration-affected communities. The initiative dubbed SRHR –HIV Knows No Boarders (KNB) project is being implemented in Zimbabwe’s Beitbridge district. The project will run from 2024 to 2026 and is set to reach…
Read MoreTag: SGBV
The Burden of Unsafe Abortions among Adolescent Girls
By Dr Munyaradzi Murwira Introduction Adolescents are a diverse group; their sexual and reproductive health needs and ability to meet those needs vary based on their life circumstances, including marital status and urban or rural residence. Adolescents often face a multitude of challenges in obtaining sexual and reproductive health services, including social stigma, judgmental attitudes of community, health care providers, financial constraints and lack of information. Key sexual reproductive health issues affecting youths include among others, STIs/HIV & AIDS, teenage pregnancies, unintended pregnancies, drug and substance abuse, and sexual gender…
Read MoreWomen With Disabilities Become Targets Of Rape In Zimbabwe
WOMEN and girls with disabilities are increasingly becoming easy targets for Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) as they struggle to report the abuse due to lack of disability friendly referral pathways for sexual abuse. By Kudakwashe Pembere This was said by Deaf Women Included board vice-chairperson, Ms Cleopatra Nyaku on Thursday on the sidelines of a Sexual Reproductive Health Rights and Disability Inclusivity workshop. As DWI our position on Gender based violence is that our constituency which is mainly women and girls with disabilities particularly those with hearing impairments, are…
Read MoreMSF Holds Regional Scientific Day in Zimbabwe
THE Medecins Sans Frontieres / Doctors Without Borders (MSF) hosted a half-day regional scientific day in Harare, Zimbabwe where various scientific innovations and researches from MSF’s field programs around the world were presented. By Michael Gwarisa The event was a hybrid setup where delegates attended both virtually and physically in Harare. Giving his Keynote address, Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), Group Captain, Dr. Munyaradzi Dobbie, Chief Director Public Health applauded MSF’s interventions in Zimbabwe’s healthcare sector. As government, we are appreciative of MSF’s continued support to Zimbabwe and…
Read MoreComprehensive Post Abortion Care is an Essential Component of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Critical for the Attainment of Health Related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
In my years of experience working in sexual reproductive health (SRH), the most topical debates include the topics of unintended pregnancies, teenage pregnancies, sexual gender based violence (SGBV), and abortion among others. Termination of Pregnancy (abortion) is one of the most controversial and emotive issues across the social realm in a conservative society like Zimbabwe. The main thrust of social-cultural discussions in sexual reproductive health is around prevention of unintended pregnancies thus avoiding the topic of abortion completely. However, the dilemma is when prevention fails, what happens next? The Zimbabwe…
Read MoreShamwari yeMwanasikana Recognizes Men Role Models
Shamwari YeMwanasikana has conferred awards to male role models who champion Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and the eradication of Gender Based Violence (GBV). By Patricia Mashiri The awards were held as part of the commemorations of the 16 days of activism against gender based violence which starts on 25 November and ends on 16 December, under the theme #Oranging the world, end violence against women now. Speaking at the awards ceremony, the guest of honor Mr Stephen Nyaruwata who is the Acting Director Ministry of Women Affairs Community,…
Read MoreZimbabwe Needs A Sex Offenders Register Says Olinda Chapel
OLINDA Chapel, the Founder of Olinda Chapel Foundation which deals with safety of women and children has called on the government of Zimbabwe to scale up sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) prevention measures such as coming up with a register for sex offenders so as to protect the girl child from sex predators and rapists. By Patricia Mashiri Speaking during a virtual meeting hosted by Zimpapers Television Network, Olinda said the country needs to start creating campaigns on raising awareness against young women and girl abuses which have been…
Read MoreHow To Make A Police Report For A Rape Or Sexual Gender Based Violence Offense?
MANY a time, survivors of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) or rape find themselves between a rock and hard surface after a rape crime would have been perpetrated against them. Due to information gaps, some rape survivors fail to take the necessary post rape procedures and keep the rape a secret leading to some health complications. By Michael Gwarisa It is imperative to note that in as much as rape or SGBV is a crime, it is first and foremost a health emergency. Thus, survivors are advised to seek…
Read MoreVehicle Shortages Hamper Victim Friendly Unit’s Response To GBV In Zim
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police’s (ZRP) Victim Friendly Unit (VFU) is currently experiencing resource constraints chief among them being the lack of vehicles to attend to incidences of rape and Gender Based Violence (GBV) as there are nor specific vehicles dedicated for VFU duties. By Michael Gwarisa The VFU was established in Zimbabwe in the year 1996 to proactively and reactively police crimes of sexual nature committed against women and children in a manner sensitive to the victim. Speaking during a Media Sensitization Workshop on reporting of Sexual and Gender Based…
Read MoreShorten Referral Pathways For SGBV Survivors Says Musasa
REPORTING Rape or Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) from a spectator’s eye appears like a walk in the park. However, for survivors, it can be one lengthy and winding process. By Michael Gwarisa For survivors of SGBV failure to report within 72 hours has its own negative health implications such as Early Unintended Pregnancies, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) or HIV infection. However, many factors could contribute to delays in accessing emergency services for survivors. Religion, culture and society all have a bearing on the outcome of an SGBV case.…
Read More