By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
The UN Secretary-General has galvanized the UN system, Member States, and other actors to put an end to Violence Against Women once and for all.
Speaking at a press briefing to mark the beginning of 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence Tuesday, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mr Edward Kallon said gender equality and women’s empowerment were key to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
“Gender equality and women’s empowerment are key to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, as development can never be effective or sustainable as long as gender inequality, discrimination and violence continue to affect a large and productive sector of society who happen to be WOMEN and GIRLS.
“As society, we shall, no longer be bystanders to an unjust and unequal society for women and girls,” Mr Kallon said.
“And to the Media, the UN will continue to work with you not only during the 16 days, but to ensure the issue of sexual and gender-based violence and gender equality features in the news for 365 days of each year.”
He said under the Spotlight Initiative, a global UN initiative with generous funding from European Union, the Government had elevated gender-based violence and gender equality to the political agenda through the High-Level Political Compact.
“The High-Level Political Compact aims to end gender-based violence and harmful practices by 2030, which was supported through the Spotlight Initiative.
“The Spotlight Initiative in Zimbabwe worked with a wide range of partners and has to date made a significant impact towards prevention and response efforts in addressing Gender Based Violence and Harmful Practices,” he said.
Despite progress made in promoting and protecting of the rights of women, girls and children, he said there have been increasing reports of child and adolescent pregnancies and child marriages.
“When girls become pregnant or married off early, their prospects diminish, and they become more vulnerable to poverty and exclusion.
“More robust efforts to protect children from such violations should be strengthened at all levels of society in line with Zimbabwe’s Constitution and laws on children’s rights. Perpetrators should be held accountable,” he said.
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