Zimbabwe marked the start of the Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with President Emmerson Mnangagwa urging citizens and institutions to confront all forms of abuse and accelerate the country’s movement toward an equitable society. The campaign, coordinated annually under the United Nations framework, mobilises governments and civil society to intensify prevention and response programmes across sectors.
President Mnangagwa’s message highlighted the national obligation to advance a safe environment for women and girls, particularly as digital platforms become emerging sites of harm. The Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development outlined this year’s focus on online protection and the structural reforms required to curb digital violence.
Link: Ministry of Women Affairs Zimbabwe
Chief Director for Gender and Women Affairs Lillian Matsika-Takaendisa detailed the Ministry’s work on coordinated GBV interventions, including partnerships with local authorities, justice institutions and development agencies. Her remarks emphasised the need to strengthen reporting mechanisms and expand survivor-centred services supported through national policy frameworks.
The launch received national broadcast coverage through Star FM Zimbabwe, which hosted a live on-site programme to widen public engagement during the opening ceremony.
This year’s local theme, United to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls, aligns with the global campaign led by UN Women. The approach reflects global evidence showing rising cases of cyber harassment, non-consensual image distribution and online intimidation targeting women in politics, business, education and civic leadership.
Stakeholders attending the event included Members of Parliament, representatives from UN Zimbabwe, diplomats, HeForShe advocates, independent oversight commissions, private-sector partners and faith-based leaders. Their participation reinforced a collective acknowledgment that gender-based violence remains a cross-sector issue requiring coordinated prevention and improved accountability mechanisms.
Zimbabwe’s adoption of the digital-violence theme also responds to rising international concern reflected in global research such as the UN’s Measuring the Shadow Pandemic report, which identifies online abuse as a significant barrier to women’s participation in public life. The 2025 campaign aims to expand digital safety awareness while urging institutions to strengthen legal protections, promote ethical technology standards and build community-level resilience.
The launch concluded with renewed commitments from government, civil society and development partners to ensure that the Sixteen Days campaign accelerates long-term reforms rather than symbolic gestures. The emphasis throughout the ceremony underscored a single priority: national progress depends on guaranteeing every woman and girl the right to live, work and participate in society without violence.
