The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has joined the global 16 Days of Activism campaign, a worldwide initiative dedicated to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) and creating a safer world for all.
Under the theme “UNiTE! Invest To Prevent Violence against Women & Girls,” this year’s campaign emphasizes the urgent need for concrete action and investment to address the pervasive issue of GBV.
ARTUZ expressed grave concern over the alarming prevalence of GBV in Zimbabwe, noting that one in three women in the country experience this form of abuse in their lifetime.
In a statement, the union affirmed its alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 5, which calls for the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls, and pledged its unwavering commitment to promoting a culture of respect, equality, and non-violence.
“In alignment with SDG 5, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence underscore the critical role of political leadership, investments, and comprehensive policy reforms in dismantling systemic barriers and achieving gender equality as a cross-cutting objective, making it imperative for national policies, budgets, and institutions to prioritize this cause,” reads the statement.
“In Zimbabwe, the distressing prevalence of gender-based violence demands our attention. Shockingly, one in three females experience this scourge in their lifetime. It transcends socioeconomic status, cultural backgrounds, and regions, reminding us that it spares no one,” reads the statement.
ARTUZ urged all Zimbabweans to join the campaign and actively contribute to creating a world free from GBV. The union emphasized the importance of education, awareness-raising, and advocacy in combating GBV and called for collective action to bring about lasting change.
