Gender-Based Violence in the Community
In addition to community awareness on ills of GBV, WICO took up this programme in a totally new way. They tackled the GBV issues in Silobela by focusing more on the perpetrators to spread the message of reducing GBV in the homes and in the communities. 25 male motivators were trained and given the task to reach out to other men and use the hot spots such as beer halls, mining sites and other places frequented by men. This team did a good job and reported having spread the message.
WICO also took on board the use of the Police Victim friendly Unit to address the men and women on the repercussions of committing any gender based crimes and also advised them on the referral systems that may be followed in the event of a rape or assault. The VFU also addressed the community leaders and school leavers during separate sessions.
WICO also used the expertise of other partners like JAHWO, Musasa, Women’s Coalition and Padare to address the communities and give necessary training to drive the message of GBV home.
Gender-Based Violence in The Workplace (Including Tertiary Education Institutions)
From 2020-2021, through the funding from the Netherlands, Women In Communities Zimbabwe implemented a project designed to address GBV in the workplace and tertiary education institutions.
The main emphasis was the establishment of referral pathways and bringing awareness of GBV to the workforce. The thematic area was to SPEAK OUT AGAINST ANY FORM OF GBV – SILENCE IS VIOLENCE!
On the issue of GBV and Sexual Harassment in tertiary education institutions, findings showed high prevalence rate as high as 94% amongst female students. To this effect Women In Communities Zimbabwe is working towards formation of a GIRLS MOVEMENT to fight against GBV and Sexual Harassment in tertiary education institutions in Zimbabwe. Furthermore, to promote reporting of GBV and Sexual Harassment cases in these institutions, Women In Communities Zimbabwe is working on creating an electronic GBV and Sexual Harassment Monitoring Mechanism (application).