A Zimbabwean women’s organization, Mukadzi Munhuwo, is urging the country to prioritize local ownership and sustainability in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV), emphasizing that international aid should supplement, not replace, domestic initiatives.
“Our domestic initiatives should remain at the forefront of GBV prevention and response, with international support augmenting these efforts,” said Prudence Mbaura, founder of Mukadzi Munhuwo, in an interview with BustopTV.
Mbaura’s comments come after the European Union (EU) pledged €7 million to support Zimbabwe’s efforts to combat GBV, which remains prevalent in the country. Many women experience sexual, verbal, and physical abuse, often in silence.1 The EU funding will support programs providing crucial services like counseling, shelter, and legal assistance to survivors.2
Muchanyara Cynthia Mukamuri, Executive Director of Self Help Development Foundation (SHDF) & Chairperson of Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ), acknowledged the EU’s support. “The EU’s Spotlight Initiative was one of the European Union’s most significant efforts to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV). We greatly appreciate their ongoing support, which demonstrates the impact of sustained efforts to address this critical issue. While we still have a long way to go, the progress made through initiatives like Spotlight shows that our continued advocacy and collective action can lead to meaningful change in the fight against GBV,” Mukamuri said.
While welcoming the EU funding as “crucial and timely,” Mbaura stressed the importance of long-term solutions. “To effectively eradicate GBV, we must prioritize sustainability and ownership. This means ensuring that local organizations and communities drive GBV prevention and response initiatives, with international partners providing support and resources to amplify these efforts,” she explained.
Mbaura believes that collaboration between local and international actors is key to building a lasting framework. “By adopting this approach, we can create a robust and resilient framework for combating GBV in Zimbabwe, ultimately ensuring a safer and more equitable society for all,” she added. “With the EU’s backing and local organizations leading the way, Zimbabwe now has a greater chance to reduce GBV and protect vulnerable women and girls across the country.”
