Staff Writer
At least EUR250 million was allocated to eight African countries, including Zimbabwe, focusing on eliminating sexual and gender-based violence, harmful practices, and addressing related aspects of sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Globally, through collaboration with the UN, the EU invested EUR500 million to create a fund dedicated to eliminating violence against women and girls.
Reflecting on the Spotlight Initiative in Zimbabwe, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Zimbabwe Jobst von Kirchmann, said violence against women and girls was a pervasive injustice affecting all societies.
“Our collective goal is to start a global movement that ends all forms of violence against them. We must act together to make a difference in the lives of women and girls, particularly those among the most vulnerable groups.
“Under the Team Europe Initiative, the EU, its Member States, and Switzerland will continue supporting the Government of Zimbabwe in its commitment to achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment outlined in the Constitution and the National Development Strategy I,” Ambassador Kirchmann said.
“It’s clear: GBV is a grave violation of human rights and a significant hurdle in achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment. For the EU, gender equality isn’t negotiable; it’s fundamental. This principle resonates deeply within the founding values of our Union and echoes Zimbabwe’s own commitment.”
On November 25, 2023 Zimbabwe celebrated the third anniversary of the adoption of the EU Gender Action Plan III (2021-2025), placing gender equality at the centre of Team Europe’s development cooperation.
The framework ensures that at least 85% of all new actions prioritize gender equality, a commitment already met by 100% of the programs contributing to joint Team Europe Initiative on Gender Equality.
Zimbabwe is the only country worldwide benefiting from a Team Europe Initiative on Gender, highlighting the government’s strong commitment to the cause.
The focus through the Team Europe Initiative centres on creating a violence-free, gender-responsive society; social empowerment and gender-responsive service delivery; a supportive environment for gender parity in politics and decision-making processes; and equality and equitable access to economic opportunities for women and men.
Between 2021 and 2027, the 76 programs financed by Team Europe approach members, contributing to these objectives, amount to over EUR 250 million. Notably, over EUR 70 million is dedicated to addressing Gender-Based Violence comprehensively.
As part of these efforts, the EU has committed EUR 5 million under the Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP) to sustain the gains of the Spotlight Initiative, focusing on creating an enabling environment for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE).
This includes the implementation of the High-Level Political Compact on ending GBV and harmful practices, and on women’s economic empowerment.
This year’s theme, “Unite! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls,” resonates deeply with the efforts of the EU and its Member States, as well as Switzerland, under the Team Europe Initiative on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment.
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