UNDP, EU, and Switzerland Join Forces to Combat Gender-Based Violence in Zim
Staff Writer
Gender equality remains one of the most pressing issues in Zimbabwe, where violence against women and girls continues to affect millions.
At the recent UNDP High-level Programme Board Meeting, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Edward Kallon emphasized the vital role of international partnerships in addressing this challenge.
He highlighted the collaboration between the UNDP, the European Union (EU), and Switzerland to combat gender-based violence (GBV) through the Spotlight Initiative, a program focused on ending violence and promoting gender equality.
“We are committed to tackling gender-based violence through strategic partnerships,” Kallon said.
“The Spotlight Initiative, supported by the EU and Switzerland, is providing critical resources to support legal reforms, empower women economically, and generate data for better decision-making. We believe that ending violence against women and girls is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and creating a more equitable society in Zimbabwe.”
The initiative has already secured USD 2 million from the EU, with additional contributions from Switzerland, aimed at implementing programs that promote legal reforms, improve access to justice, and ensure better economic opportunities for women.
These programs target areas such as legal aid, gender-sensitive education, and women’s entrepreneurship, aiming to break the cycle of violence and empower women to take charge of their futures.
Additionally, the initiative focuses on generating gender-disaggregated data to inform policymaking and improve the country’s response to gender-based violence.
Mr Kallon emphasized that strengthening data collection and analysis is critical to understanding the full scale of the problem and ensuring that interventions are targeted and effective.
“Gender equality is not just a moral imperative; it is a development priority. The work we are doing with our partners in Zimbabwe will have a lasting impact on the lives of women and girls, providing them with the tools they need to live free from violence and participate fully in society,” Mr Kallon said.
This story will explore the ongoing efforts under the Spotlight Initiative and the progress made so far, showcasing how these partnerships are driving positive change in Zimbabwe’s gender landscape.
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