Stakeholders have noted a significant decline in cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in Bindura, a development attributed to positive behaviour change.
Bindura, which was one of the districts with the highest figures in cases of gender based violence in Mashonaland Central has witnessed a decline with the province now ranked 4th.
Zimbabwe Association of Church Related Hospitals (ZACH) Programmes Coordinator, Maxwell Hombiro says the shift is due to communities actively speaking out on the need for behaviour change.
“When sasa programme was launched in Bindura, it was hardest hit district by GBV, but when you look at statistics from National Aids Council Bindura is in 4th 6th place, this is attributed to Sasa programme.” Said Hombiro.
Huge strides such as the setting up of a one stop centre for GBV victims have been made but more still needs to be done as there are no safe shelters for survivors.
Ups… Women Coalition of Zimbabwe Mash Central Chairperson Mandi Piyasi.
“Survivors are finding it difficult to get space to reflect or a place to turn to, they are referred to the OSS at Bindura hospital, but it’s not enough every day women and girls are facing issues around GBV and we are stuck as to where we can refer them to seek safe shelter and also mode of transport so it’s an issue here in Mashonaland Central,” said Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe Mashonaland Central Chairperson, Mandi Piyasi
Stakeholders who reviewed the successes and challenges made by different organisations ending GBV in the district came up with a road map for the immediate and near future.
