By Tonderai Saharo
News Editor
MASVINGO- Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations of our time, casting a long, dark shadow across communities countrywide.
Far from being a private matter or an isolated issue, GBV is a systemic crisis that undermines public health, economic stability, and social cohesion.
Addressing this deeply rooted challenge requires moving beyond fragmented responses and embracing a truly collective effort.
At its core, gender-based violence thrives in environments of silence, stigma, and impunity.
Officials from the Women Coaltion of Zimbabwe said that survivors often face insurmountable barriers when seeking justice or support, hindered by cultural norms that normalize abuse or blame the victims.
To dismantle these structures, observers said society must foster a culture of accountability.
This cannot rest solely on the shoulders of frontline advocates or legal institutions; it demands the active participation of every sector of society.
Critics and activists are calling on government and policymakers to lead the charge by enacting robust legislation, enforcing strict penalties for perpetrators, and adequately funding support networks, including social support and counseling services for victims.
However, laws alone cannot change hearts and minds, Zimbabwe Open University Lecturer, Tatenda Gundani feels that educational institutions must play a pivotal role in reshaping narratives from an early age, teaching young people about consent, respect, and equality.
“By challenging harmful stereotypes in classrooms and playgrounds, we lay the groundwork for a safer future, and this should begin at the very low level of our educational structures,” he said.
Gundani feels the private sector and civil society organizations hold immense power to drive change.
Even at workplaces, Gundani said they must establish zero-tolerance policies against all form of gender based violence and provide safe reporting mechanisms, ensuring that economic independence does not come at the cost of personal safety.
Prophet Dr Lovemore Cheure of the Healing Grace International Ministries weighed in and said community leaders, religious institutions, and influencers must use their platforms to speak out against abuse, dismantling the stigma that forces victims into silence.
” Tackling gender-based violence is a shared responsibility.
“Every conversation, every policy reform, and every act of solidarity brings us closer to a world where safety and dignity are guaranteed for all, regardless of gender.
“The time for passive awareness has passed; true progress demands our collective action,” he said
