Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Minister Sithembiso Nyoni has warned the nation against involving in Gender Based Violence in which in most cases women are usually victims.
Speaking during the global campaign of 16 days of activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV) yesterday, Minister Nyoni said gender based violence costs are usually a strain to the economy and therefore should be stopped.
“It has been realised that gender based violence results in huge economic costs for the country as it’s negative effects results in increased burden on the health system and other response systems,” she said.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence are marked from November 25 to December 10 every year and this year’s theme is, “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!”
Minister Nyoni said it is everyone’s responsibility to stop gender based violence.
“Resources spent in responding to GBV, if redirected towards the development of the country, will contribute immensely to the country’s gross domestic product. Gender based violence takes place in all spheres of our daily lives, within our homes, work places, in public places and it is therefore everyone’s responsibility to stop this vile practice.”
It is estimated that one in every 3 women in Zimbabwe have experienced physical or sexual violence in the Covid -19 induced lockdown.
